Developments in Sustrans’ bridge over River Thames

If the bridge goes ahead it will be the longest open cycle and pedestrian bridge in the world.

A detailed feasibility study, commissioned by Transport for London (TfL), has now been carried out by bridge design and engineering specialists, Ramboll Whitbybird. The study builds on the project’s preliminary report and looks in more detail at factors such as potential landing sites, navigational constraints, design possibilities, and likely costs.

Location gives thousands greater access

The preferred location for the bridge has now been identified as being between Durand’s Wharf; a park on the Southwark bank just south of Cuckold’s Point, and the impounding lock on Westferry Road; adjacent to the planned landscape park in the Riverside South development. This proposed location takes into account shipping requirements on that section of the Thames and would link to public transport networks on both sides of the river, putting the cost of the bridge at around £65 million.

The bridge would form part of a wider package of walking and cycling plans, designed to address London’s transport needs as part of the 2012 Olympic Games regeneration. It is planned to span the river, giving thousands of people from the south of the River Thames more direct access to the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf, Thames Gateway, and the rest of the city.

The next step

Sustrans’ Director for London, Carl Pittam says: “Major buildings such as this require detailed thinking before going ahead and the process can often take time. However, this study is crucial as it tells us that the bridge is feasible, the location is right and puts a real figure against its cost. The next step will be a detailed analysis of the potential numbers of users of the bridge.”

The proposals for the bridge are being developed in partnership with the London Boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets and TfL.