New Thames tunnel proposed for London
London Major Boris Johnson has announced plans for a new traffic tunnel under the Thames to alleviate congestion in and around the existing Rotherhithe and Blackwall Tunnels in east London. It would run from Greenwich Peninsular to Silvertown — east of the Thames Flood Barrier — will be capable of handling 2,400 vehicles an hour in each direction, cost an estimated £700m and will be completed within 10 years. Transport for London is to begin the preliminary consultation process in February 2012.
Commenting on the proposal, AA president Edmund King said: “The Thames is a barrier to mobility, employment and enterprise in east London. The Seine in Paris has almost twice as many river crossings as we have over or under the Thames. This proposed new tunnel is most welcome and could do much to alleviate congestion and emissions around the Blackwall Tunnel. We support these proposals although it remains to be seen how the tunnel will be paid for.”
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