Mayor approves three new Thames river crossings

London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has approved three new Thames crossing projects, while also starting to consider proposals for two more.

The three which have received approval are the road tunnel at Silvertown, a new Docklands Light Railway crossing at Gallions Reach, as well as a new pedestrian and cycle bridge located near Rotherhithe.

With increased attention to the need for connectivity alongside the building of homes in the greater London area, the new Docklands Light Railway crossing from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead is a part of greater efforts to support residential developments planned for Newham and Greenwich areas.

The new pedestrian and cycle bridge that will span from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf is set to claim the record as the world’s largest span utilised for an opening bascule bridge. In current plans, the structure is designed to pivot in order to allow boats to pass, costing only an estimated £10 worth of electricity to open.

Despite the innovative nature of the pedestrian and cycle bridge, the £1bn Silvertown Tunnel is claiming the majority of attention, amidst a push for lessening the environmental impact of construction. In efforts to comply with the mayor’s new Direct Vision Standard, approximately 55% of the materials needed will be transported by river, alongside other efforts to reduce pollution from construction efforts.

The majority of funding for these three crossings will likely be sourced from a sourcing combination of community infrastructure levies and third-party developers. Commenting on the announcement, Sadiq Khan said: "We believe that all these new crossings, along with the future Elizabeth line, can be finished in the next five to ten years. This will help rebalance the historic lack of river crossings in this part of London. We will consult on all plans in due course."

The other two proposed Thames crossings that Sadiq Khan will be reviewing is the London overground crossing planned for the Barking Riverside area, as well as establishing a new ferry from North Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs.