Plans for a Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf pedestrian and cycle bridge have taken a step forward after being backed by the public.
Transport for London (TfL) is now determining the most appropriate form of crossing and developing more detailed designs, together with a construction timeline.
The results of a recent consultation on plans to build the new River Thames crossing have revealed 93 per cent of the 6,094 public responses supported the idea.
TfL’s provisional preferred option of a navigable bridge was supported by 85 per cent of responses to the consultation, with the northern alignment between Nelson Dock and Westferry Circus receiving the strongest support.
Deputy Mayor for Transport Val Shawcross said: “With its growing population, a new river crossing is much needed in this part of east London, providing vital new connections for residents, businesses and commuters around Canary Wharf.
“Our plans should enable thousands more people to make walking and cycling a part of their everyday lives, improving life for everyone.”
Gareth Powell, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: “The response to this consultation has been overwhelming and has helped provide a clear message on the key design elements for the crossing.
“We are now working with Atkins, our design and engineering consultants, and local stakeholders to develop an accessible and achievable crossing that links to new and proposed walking and cycling routes on both sides of the river.”
Councillor Mark Williams, Southwark Council cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, added: “The area around Rotherhithe and Canada Water is woefully lacking in river crossings that proactively encourage more sustainable forms of transport, like cycling and walking.
“With our regeneration plans looking to bring more homes, retail, leisure and culture facilities to the area, we welcome the new crossing that will help bring people across the Thames and into our borough, as well as helping our residents get better, easier access to jobs and opportunities across the water.”
While a navigable bridge remains TfL’s preference, no final decisions have been made on any specific aspects of design or location.
TfL hopes to be in a position to hold a second consultation on the designs for the crossing later in 2018.
This would allow local residents, visitors and commuters to comment on the proposed designs before they are completed and submitted as part of a consents application in 2019.
Anood Al-Samerai, leader of Southwark Liberal Democrats, said: “The decade-long campaign that we and others have fought to get the bridge built has clearly captured the public imagination.
“The bridge will form a key part of the green transport infrastructure that Southwark needs, keep the city moving and in a way that’s great for air quality, health, and the environment.
“We hope the process to decide on the best design for the bridge is swift as well as open, and that we can have the bridge and all the benefits it will bring sooner rather than later.”
For more information, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/R2CW-crossing
Just get it built, everything in this country takes too long to complete with too many consultations.