Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has answered a series of written questions about the proposed Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf bridge tabled by Labour London Assembly member Tom Copley.
Tom Copley: I fully support your manifesto commitment to deliver a crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. A number of logistical issues have been raised with me regarding placing a bridge in that location. Will Transport for London give full consideration to placing the crossing in a tunnel instead?
Sadiq Khan: Transport for London has carried out a number of assessments to explore a variety of crossing options, including a tunnel. This was reported as part of a recent public consultation and further information can be found at: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings/rotherhithe-canarywharf/
There is a specific factsheet on options assessment, including a summary of our consideration to placing the crossing in a tunnel:https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings/rotherhithe-canarywharf/user_uploads/r2cw—factsheet-2—crossing-options.pdf
Tom Copley: What assessment has Transport for London made of the disadvantages of an opening bridge, which would have to be closed to pedestrians and cyclists while it is open, vs a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf?
Sadiq Khan: As described in the response to Mayor’s Question 2018/1913, Transport for London’s assessment of different crossing options was reported as part of the recent consultation. This explained that, while users of a tunnel would not be affected by river vessels, this would be a more expensive option than a bridge and could also have significant environmental impacts on the river. Further information is provided in the consultation materials.
Tom Copley: What assessment has Transport for London made of the disadvantages of an opening bridge, which would have to be closed to pedestrians and cyclists while it is open, vs a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf?
Sadiq Khan: As described in the response to Mayor’s Question 2018/1913, Transport for London’s assessment of different crossing options was reported as part of the recent consultation. This explained that, while users of a tunnel would not be affected by river vessels, this would be a more expensive option than a bridge and could also have significant environmental impacts on the river. Further information is provided in the consultation materials.
Tom Copley: Has an assessment been made by Transport for London (TfL) comparing the capital cost of an opening bridge vs a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf and if not will TfL conduct one?
Sadiq Khan: Yes. An assessment comparing the capital cost of an opening bridge versus a tunnel was presented as part of Transport for London’s recent consultation. Further information can be found in the Background to Consultation Report, published here:
Tom Copley: Has an assessment been made by Transport for London (TfL) comparing the capital cost of an opening bridge vs a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf and if not will TfL conduct one?
Sadiq Khan: Yes. An assessment comparing the ongoing maintenance cost of an opening bridge vs a tunnel was presented as part of TfL’s recent consultation. Further information can be found in the Background to Consultation Report, published here: