London Mayor supports new road tunnel to decongest traffic

The option of a new 22-mile inner London orbital road tunnel is under investigation, after the initiative of London Mayor, Boris Johnson. The construction of such a tunnel would significantly decongest traffic in the city centre, improve air quality and create additional space for public parks, pedestrians and cyclists.

The idea of a road tunnel is based on the examples of other European cities, like Oslo, Paris and Madrid, where underground road network construction has relieved traffic congestion problems. In the case of London, the dual carriageway (divided highway) tunnel would have 10 portals and would expand underneath London, from Camden to Highbury, Shoreditch and Wapping, then under the Thames to Elephant and Castle and in the sequel to Battersea. It would cross Thames again, at Chelsea, heading to St John's Wood through Earls Court, before returning to Camden. 

Given a predicted 60% rise in traffic congestion in the central area by 2031 and an increase in the order of 15-25% in the peripheral areas, the solution of an underground road network appears ideal. Such an ambitious plan would cost around £30bn, which could be partially covered from the development of sites which are currently blocked due to congestion. 

Sourves: www.constructionenquirer.com