New Thames bridge to resurface
PLANS for a new Thames crossing could resurface with an announcement just weeks away.
The Thames Gateway Bridge proposal was shelved last summer by the Government pending further research by Transport for London.
Since then, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has voiced his opposition to the project. He said he may refuse permission for it once the TfL study is completed.
But, Greater London Assembly member for City and East John Biggs said it is imperative Mr Johnson approves the plans.
Mr Biggs said: "There's been a whole lot of us campaigning for this bridge for years.
"It will help ease traffic problems in that part of London.
"There's such a big gap between the Blackwall Tunnel and the QE2 bridge and both are filled to capacity."
The plans under consideration would see a 4.8km bridge linking Beckton at the A406/A13 junction to Thamesmead in the south.
As well as providing a route for private vehicles, the scheme includes pedestrian and cycle paths and public transport lanes.
The Government plans to fund the bridge via a £350million Private Finance Initiative.
Under the deal the company which builds the crossing would also benefit with 30 years of toll revenue, which is forecast to be greater than that generated by the Dartford Crossing.
Plans were previously halted following a public inquiry after the Government asked for more investigation into issues such as traffic predictions.
Mr Johnson has asked TfL to report back to him on its feasibility, as well as looking again at other proposals for the bridge.
He earlier caused doubt over whether the project would ever get approval when he said he did not support the proposal in its current form.
Mr Biggs said the financial downturn is not a valid excuse for not building the bridge.
He said: "Whereas some schemes are being cut because Boris says there's not enough money, this one shouldn't be as it is funded by toll money and a Private Finance Initiative of £350million."
A TfL survey found 80 per cent of local residents support the plans and only two per cent were against them.
Campaigners for the bridge say it would reduce cross-river journey times by 30 minutes and said it is a crucial part of the Thames Gateway regeneration project, which could lead to 42,000 new jobs in the region.
Older/Newer
3 Comments
Leave a comment
Read The Wharf E-Edition
Good news. Let's get this bridge back on track. I've been waiting for it to be bult for more years than I care to remember.
It's about time that another bridge was built further down river. I used to get a commuter coach into London from Kent and I've lost count of the amount of times that Blackwall Tunnel has been closed and we have had to go over the QE2 bridge. I think Boris Johnson is being very short sighted on this and needs to realise that London desperately needs another river crossing. Anyone who says that London doesn't is an idiot and has obviously never experienced the A2 when it is at a complete standstill because some moron has broken down or caused an accident in the Blackwall Tunnel.
This bridge will not bring relief to the Blackwall Tunnel as people expect.
If they built the Thames Gateway bridge, it would mean that people take to their cars and it simply means more traffic on the roads!
I have seen this happen time and time again!! When they expanded the North Circurlar (A406) it simply brought more traffic - just look at it during rush hour!
When they expanded the A13 again it brought more cars to the road.
A major re-think is needed is how we use our roads....
If people live near to where we work. It will reduce car journeys, improve quality of life e.g. less time travelling or communiting, reduce pollution....
For instance, the government wants to build 40,000 extra homes in the Thames Gateway, but if there is a bridge, a lot of these people will communite from south of the river to the north. Why not build self-contained communities - that is people living close to where they work. The Thames Gateway should not be just a massive housing estate....
Plus, we not have more expansion at London City Airport expanding flights, it expected 400,000 travellers will arrive by car.
I sympathise with those clogged at the Blackwall Tunnel, but this bridge will not bring miracles!