The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has approved plans for three major infrastructure projects in the city.

A package of new river crossings have been given the go-ahead in East and South East London, which will provide greener, more public transport-focused travel options as well as supporting business and housing growth.

The projects include:

• Accelerating plans for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Rotherhithe & Canary Wharf set to open in 2020.

• Carrying out enhancements to proposals for Silvertown Tunnel, due to open in 2023.

• Creating a DLR crossing at Gallions Reach, which sill support the development of around 17,000 new homes across Newham and the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

• Further assessing work for a Barking Riverside-Abbey Wood London Overground crossing

• Further assessing plans for a North Greenwich-Isle of Dogs ferry, which will support the development of the Greenwich Peninsula and the Isle of Dogs.

Following improvements requested by the Mayor on the Silvertown Tunnel project, a six-month Public Examination will begin on Tuesday, 11 October.

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Requested enhancements include a commitment to Transport for London's (TfL's) Business Plan to support new buses through the tunnel, developing a bespoke cycle-bus which will carry cyclists and their bikes through the tunnel, reducing road use by construction vehicles with 55% of all material set to be carried via the river and further pedestrian/cycling improvements to the local areas on both sides of the tunnel entrance.

In addition, all vehicles working on the projects construction will be Euro 6 and comply with the Mayor's new Direct Vision Standard.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, said: "It's no secret that London has long needed more river crossings in the east. With new homes and economic growth across East London, it becomes even more important that we deliver new greener transport links that allow Londoners to cross the river quickly and more easily.

"But we don't want these to have a damaging impact on our environment, and that's why I've reviewed and improved plans for Silvertown Tunnel and why I'm pushing forward with crossings that encourage public transport, walking and cycling.

"As we continue to unlock the massive economic potential of East London, we must secure the very best transport infrastructure that improves the quality of life for everyone living and working in the area."

Alex Williams, Acting Managing Director of Planning at TfL, added: "London's population continues to grow and it's vital that we do everything we can to support this to ensure that everyone can continue to move around freely and easily. The Mayor's new vision for river crossings in East London is firmly rooted in supporting growth and providing better public transport links for all."

(Image: South proposal for the Silvertown Tunnel)

(LM/CD)