There’s a warning that Transport for London’s financial problems could necessitate the closure of the Rotherhithe Tunnel to the east of the city and also Vauxhall Bridge in the centre.

The London Evening Standard reports that London Assembly has warned there is “serious concern” over the river crossings, with both in need of “urgent” repairs. TfL has warned they could face closure if funding is not secured to carry out the work.

The report says that earlier this month, the London Assembly transport committee published a report detailing the “bleak” outlook for London’s bridges and tunnels and stressed the need for the Government to work with TfL and London boroughs to oversee the maintenance of the capital’s river crossings.

Systems within the Rotherhithe Tunnel need an “urgent upgrade” while Vauxhall Bridge requires further waterproofing work.

The Standard quotes TfL’s managing director for surface transport Gareth Powell as saying, “We don’t want to do this, but if we don’t think the asset is safe then we’ll need to close it.”

It adds before closures are considered, TfL may introduce restrictions on river crossings including tougher speed limits and caps on the number of vehicles allowed to use bridges and tunnels.

(Picture – Yay Images)