Silvertown Tunnel plans gather pace

14 October 2014
Public consultation starts 15 Oct on detailed plans for the Silvertown tunnel
"These new crossings will be essential not just for east London, but for the capital as a whole and its continued success as the motor of the UK economy"
Boris Johnson
Mayor of London

The Mayor of London has today reaffirmed his commitment for a series of vital new river crossings to be delivered in east London. 

With the capital's population forecast to grow to 10m people by 2030, and with much of this growth due to take place in east London, demand for crossing the river will increase.

Unless new river crossings are provided in east London, the overall growth of this part of London will be affected and its economic potential will not be fully realised. The Silvertown tunnel is a key part of the plans and is now progressing to the next stage with a consultation that starts tomorrow, 15 October, on detailed proposals.

By delivering a new road link beneath the Thames, Silvertown tunnel would connect the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks - two of the Mayor's key Opportunity Areas for thousands of new homes and jobs.  T

his consultation represents an important step forward for the Silvertown plans, with an application to Government for approval to build the tunnel planned for December 2015. In recognition of its significance for the future development of London, this project has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) by Government. If approved, construction could start in 2017 and take four years to complete at an estimated cost of around £750m.  

Silvertown tunnel will:

  • Provide a vital new road crossing across the Thames
  • Reduce queuing at the Blackwall Tunnel
  • Support the creation of new jobs and homes across east London; and
  • Create the opportunity for new public transport connections connecting both sides of the river.  

The Mayor and TfL are also planning for new road crossings to the east of Silvertown, which have been the subject of a recent consultation. Initial findings from this consultation suggest strong public support to develop plans for crossings at both Gallions Reach and Belvedere. 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: `The Silvertown Tunnel would provide a vital new link beneath the Thames from two of our city's great opportunity areas for new homes and jobs - Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. It has quite rightly been classified by the Government as a project of national significance and today we're a step closer in making our vision a reality. Unless new river crossings are provided, the huge growth potential of east London will not be realised, which is why I have asked TfL to also take forward further work on two new river crossings to the east of the Silvertown tunnel at Gallions Reach and Belvedere. These new crossings will be essential not just for east London, but for the capital as a whole and its continued success as the motor of the UK economy.'

Michèle Dix, TfL's Managing Director of Planning, said: `The recent public consultations have been very important, helping us to identify the best solution for new river crossings. It is clear that public support for more river crossings is high. These detailed plans for the Silvertown Tunnel are the next step in delivering a series of crossings that will keep London moving. The consultation is an opportunity to find out more about the design of the tunnel, how it will be used and the benefits and impacts of this new crossing.` 

As part of the plans, proposals for a user charge at the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels have been developed as an essential element to manage demand for the two crossings and to provide a source of revenue to help pay for construction and operation of the new tunnel at Silvertown.  This would not be introduced until the new tunnel was open to motorists. It is anticipated that the charges could be similar to those currently levied at the Dartford crossings.

The public consultation on the Silvertown Tunnel will run from 15 October until 19 December 2014. Further information about the consultation and the questionnaire can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk/silvertown-tunnel.  A report on the findings of the Silvertown Tunnel consultation will be presented to the Mayor of London in spring 2015 and made publicly available on the consultation website. 

A further consultation is planned for early summer 2015 ahead of the submission of an application for a Development Consent Order by the end of 2015.  In parallel with the Silvertown Tunnel, TfL is now progressing further work on options for new river crossings at Gallions Reach and Belvedere. These new crossings would transform the connectivity of outer east London, open up major sites for development and help to support the delivery of jobs and homes across a wide area.   The new crossings would have the potential to provide new public transport connections as well.  Further work will also consider the opportunities for funding these new crossings including the use of user charges.  It is anticipated a further consultation on these crossing options would commence before the end of 2015. 

Subject to securing funding and the necessary approvals, both crossings could be completed and open by 2025.

Notes to Editors: