Mayor’s Transport Strategy reveals plans for east London river crossings

Recently, the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy was released. It was a few weeks ago that Boris Johnson mentioned about the possibility of some river crossings that he could not reveal at the time. The Wharf newspaper has taken extracts from the Transport Strategy and they reveal the following things:

A riverbus service between Canary Wharf and London Bridge (which is already in operation)
Other direct riverbus services connection both sides of the river – these include extending the East India to O2 connection and routes on the west and east sides of Canary Wharf
Extra piers, signage and boatyards to be built or improved
Enhanced use of the Woolwich Ferry
Several pedestrian and cycle crossings further east from the foot tunnels (in Greenwich and Woolwich) – such details include bridges for these purposes, extra ferry services or even “cable cars”
A new fixed link in Silvertown (dubbed the Silvertown Link) which would relieve congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel - exact location of where this would be has not been detailed
A new vehicle ferry in Gallions Reach which could in time be converted into a fixed link (whether that will be a tunnel or bridge has not been decided)

Mayor Boris Johnson said:

London’s transport system should excel among those of world cities, providing access to opportunities for all its people and enterprises, achieving the highest environmental standards and leading the world in its approach to tackling urban transport challenges.

It looks clear that road crossings do appear to be back in the plans. It is only a matter of time to see what plans materialise considering the consultations, public inquiries and environmental issues involved in these projects.