Boris Johnson said that several new crossings were vital for east London as the project went out to public consultation on detailed proposals.

The proposed Silvertown road tunnel would connect the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks – two of the Mayor’s key Opportunity Areas for thousands of new homes and jobs.

This consultation represents an important step forward for the Silvertown plans, with an application to Government for approval to build the tunnel planned for December 2015.

In recognition of its significance for the future development of London, the project has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project by Government.

If approved, construction could start in 2017 and take four years to complete at an estimated cost of around £750m. It will cross the river Thames next to the Emirates cable car route.

As part of the plans, proposals for a user charge at the Silvertown and existing free to use Blackwall Tunnels have been developed to manage demand for the two crossings and help to pay for construction.  This would not be introduced until the new tunnel was open to motorists.

The Mayor and Transport for London are also planning for new road crossings to the east of Silvertown, which have been the subject of a recent consultation.

Initial findings from this consultation suggest strong public support to develop plans for crossings at both Gallions Reach and Belvedere.

Boris Johnson, said: “It has quite rightly been classified by the Government as a project of national significance and today we’re a step closer in making our vision a reality.

“Unless new river crossings are provided, the huge growth potential of east London will not be realised, which is why I have asked TfL to also take forward further work on two new river crossings to the east of the Silvertown tunnel at Gallions Reach and Belvedere.

“These new crossings will be essential not just for east London, but for the capital as a whole and its continued success as the motor of the UK economy.”

Other proposed sites along the Thames for road crossings