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Plans for a crossing across the Thames between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf have been welcomed by Londoners - London TV

Plans for a crossing across the Thames between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf have been welcomed by Londoners

by London-TV in Business

Plans for a proposed walking and cycling crossing across the Thames between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf have been welcomed by Londoners, TfL confirmed today.

Ninety-three per cent of the 6,094 public responses received ‎in the recent consultation supported the creation of a new crossing, which would link existing and planned cycle routes on both sides of the river.

Once delivered, the crossing would enable more people to cycle and walk in the local area and support the Mayor’s aim for 80% of Londoners’ trips to be by cycling, walking or by public transport by 2041.

Pedestrians and cyclists currently have very limited opportunities to cross the river east of Tower Bridge easily and safely – restricting access to key destinations such as Canary Wharf and Canada Water.

Sustainable growth

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is already operating at capacity at peak times and the Rotherhithe Tunnel, which is the only other permanent crossing option across the river at this point, is regularly avoided by pedestrians and cyclists due to the dominance of traffic, poor air quality and narrow footways.

A new river crossing would contribute towards supporting sustainable growth in east London, Canada Water and the Isle of Dogs by providing a viable alternative to the Jubilee line and other river crossings for those trips that could be made on foot or by bike.

The latest modelling by TfL suggests that, with future growth and development in the local area, by 2031 more than two million pedestrian and cyclist journeys every year are expected across the crossing, which could increase further if walking and cycling improvements are delivered across the wider area.

While a dedicated walking and cycling bridge is TfL’s provisional preferred option, a number of options – an enhanced ferry service, a bridge or a tunnel – were explored as part of the consultation.

The consultation also asked for preferences on crossing designs, locations and heights help to ensure that any final design reflected the views of local residents, businesses and stakeholders.