Have your say on new river crossing

BY NEWS REPORTER
shuz@slpmedia.co.uk

Pedestrians and cyclists could soon have a new crossing of the Thames between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. Transport for London (TfL) has begun an eight-week consultation on plans for the crossing.

TfL said it could see a new much-needed river crossing linking thousands of people directly between Canada Water and Canary Wharf, and supporting new jobs and homes in the area. The crossing would link into existing and planned cycle routes on both sides of the river. With a dedicated walking and cycling bridge being TfL’s preferred option, it would directly encourage more people to cycle and walk in the local area, supporting the Mayor’s aim for 80 per cent of Londoners’ trips to be on foot, by cycle or by public transport by 2041.

TfL suggests that, with future growth and development in the local area, by 2031 more than two million pedestrian and cyclist journey every year are expected to be made using the bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists currently have limited opportunities to cross the river east of Tower Bridge easily and safely – restricting access to key destinations such as Canary Wharf.

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is already operating at capacity at peak times and the Rotherhithe Tunnel, which is the only permanent crossing option across the river at this point, is regularly avoided by pedestrians and cyclists.

Val Shawcross, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “It’s great news that we’ve started the formal process for a new walking and cycling crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. “It will provide new  connections to work, shopping and leisure facilities for thousands of  residents and provide a new route for commuters into Canary Wharf. We want everyone to have their say before we outline further details.”

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: “This new crossing is envisioned to be a fantastic addition to London and provide a valuable and accessible link to new and proposed walking and cycling routes on both sides of the river.”

Simon Munk, infrastructure campaigner, London Cycling Campaign said: “There is huge potential to get more people from South London cycling to work in the Docklands area but the options currently available – Tower Bridge, Rotherhithe tunnel and the Greenwich foot tunnel – all have major issues for potential cyclists.”

To have your say on the consultaion, go to  www.tfl.gov.uk/R2CW-crossing