London mayor Boris Johnson has announced proposals to redesign a number of road networks in the capital by using tunnels and bridges.
 
The mayor said the space saved would be used to create new public spaces and housing.
 
The mayor and Transport for London considered more than 70 locations across the city where the introduction of tunnels could reduce congestion.
 
Out of the 70 places, TfL has identified five locations as being suitable for further feasibility work. These are:

  • A mini-tunnel at the A13 in Barking Riverside, which would reconnect the borough with the new development, which is a location for 11,000 new homes
  • A bridge at the A3 in Tolworth: The mayor and TfL said the space saved would connect the proposed Crossrail 2 railway station with the rest of the borough
  • A tunnel at the A316 at Chalkers Corner, which would remove a major traffic pinch-point
  • A tunnel at the A4 in Hammersmith, which would reconnect the town with the river Thames and creating more open space.
  • A bridge or a mini-tunnel at the A406 in New Southgate: under the plans, the north circular junction would be built over, making more room for new homes.

“Rebuilding some of our complex and aging road network underneath our city would not only provide additional capacity for traffic, but it would also unlock surface space and reduce the impact of noise and pollution,” said mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
 
“This could also be a fantastic opportunity to better shape our city and support economic growth,” said Johnson.  

TfL said it would work with the boroughs to further progress the proposals before presenting the analysis to the mayor in May.