Transport for London (TfL) has started public consultation on a proposed package of measures to improve river crossings in east and southeast London.

The two proposals are a new road tunnel at Silvertown and a new vehicle ferry crossing at Gallions Reach. The aim is to ease congestion and promote economic regeneration.

The proposed new road tunnel would be next to Blackwall Tunnel, and run underneath the River Thames connecting Silvertown with the Greenwich Peninsula.

Current crossings including the Blackwall Tunnel, Rotherhithe Tunnel and Woolwich Ferry are already at capacity.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “These two new major river crossings will be an enormous economic boost to Londoners living and working in the east of the capital, facilitate further regeneration and development, and help to keep our city moving.

“I hope Londoners will get involved with this consultation and make their voices heard on these exciting proposals.”

Subject to planning permission, other consents and funding, construction could begin by 2015 with a new vehicle ferry operating by 2017 and the new Silvertown tunnel open by 2021.

Results of this initial consultation are expected to be published in spring 2012. 

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