MT 106/453

Principal roads: A13 to Thamesmead including Woolwich River Crossing; consideration of proposals

Date range	1969-1972
Location	National Archives (see all files stored here)
Catalogue	See entry
File base	Series MT, subseries MT 106

Context

My notes indicate that this file is "huge". If you want to read it, clear your diary.

This file contains the MOT and DoE side of business regarding the GLC-led project for Ringway 2 between the A13 and Thamesmead - including the river crossing at Gallions Reach. It covers, stage by stage, the selection of a route; the investigations into different types of crossing and selection of a tunnel; the selection of the number of tunnel bores and the type of construction to be used; some outline discussion about whether the river crossing should be tolled; predicted traffic flows; systems of "secret signs" to direct traffic through a tidal-flow arrangement in peak hours; and - in the later stages - a great deal of agitated correspondence in which the DoE repeatedly ask the GLC for details on its plans and find that there are no details to be had.

Consideration was given in the early stages to co-locate the river crossing and the Thames Barrier, to lower costs; this was eventually ruled out because Woolwich was a poor site for the motorway crossing and Gallions Reach was a poor site for the Barrier.

There are also a whole host of plans and diagrams here, including a number of options that appear to be "last resort" planning circa 1971 for a tunnel of much reduced width and narrower approach roads - presumably as a way to provide the river crossing more cheaply and quickly.

People with camera copies

Chris Marshall has a partial copy.