Two major road tunnels across London could significantly ease congestion, London’s mayor Boris Johnson has said as he unveiled plans to send more traffic underground.
Transport for London (TfL) could also seek to ease traffic flow more locally smaller ‘flyunders’ and mini-tunnels.
Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon
The mayor said the first tunnel, the Northern Cross City Corridor, could be opened in 20 years and be funded by toll charges. The 18kmtunnel would run from west to east, linking west the A40 at Park Royal to the A12 at Hackney Wick. A second 25km tunnel could be developed to the south from the A4 in Chiswick to the A13 in Beckton. The tunnels could cut congestion in central London by 20%, Johnson claimed.
TfL planners will now carry out detailed feasibility studies into the two routes, which have superseded Johnson’s previous vision for an orbital tunnel, although that is said to still be a possibility.
More tunnels?
City planner have announced that they are also examining nine other potential sites for smaller tunnels and flyunders, which would move stretches of busy roads underground and create new space on the surface for parks and homes. By removing the physical barrier to pedestrians, the flyunders would be expected to regenerate the surrounding area. Possible locations include parts of the A13 in Barking and the A3 in Tolworth.
Swannells – Haulage Companies in Huntingdon
With the capital’s population predicted to grow by almost 20% to 10.3 million by 2030, Johnson and TfL are also considering revising road charging to manage traffic. Goods traffic in particular could face new restrictions, including bans or higher charges on freight vehicles at certain times of the day.
Johnson said: “London is booming and, as our great capital thrives, our ambitions for the veins and arteries that keep our city alive must grow with it.
“Around eight of every 10 journeys in London are made using our roads – whether by car, taxi, motorbike, bus, cycle, foot or freight – which is why it is vital that we think big. We must deliver long-term solutions that will not just make the most of the space we have for road users but bring environmental and amenity improvements to local areas.”
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