Plans for a new cycling and walking bridge spanning the River Thames between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe have received “overwhelming” support in a consultation, Transport for London (TfL) has revealed.
93 per cent of respondents supported plans for a new Thames crossing for people on bike and foot, with 85 per cent in favour of TfL’s favoured option of a navigable bridge.
TfL is now working on engineering options ahead of launching a new consultation later this year on its preferred design.
The much-needed bridge would link to planned an existing cycling infrastructure on either side of the river, and 6,094 people responded to the consultation, says TfL.
Other options explored included an enhanced ferry service, as well as a tunnel.
London’s deputy mayor for transport, Val Shawcross, commented: “I’m delighted that thousands of people took part in the consultation, and have given us such overwhelming support for a new walking and cycling crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
“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.”
The news was welcomed by the London boroughs that will be linked by the proposed crossing.
John Biggs, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “I am pleased that the vast majority of responses to the consultation on the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing have backed the bridge.
“I welcome the plans to improve pedestrian and cycling access in the Borough and look forward to working with TfL as the plans progress.”
The southern end of the planned bridge lies within the London Borough of Southwark, whose cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, Councillor Mark Williams, said: “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.
“This will also tie in with Southwark’s ever-growing cycle highway infrastructure,” he added.
Add new comment
9 comments
i for one agree that we need to spend more on cycling infrastructure on the poor underfunded folk of london village
why would Tranport for LONDON, which is funded mainly by LONDONers, spend their money in some provincial hick town rather than in two of the most deprived boroughs in LONDON. If you want a bridge in Dullton get Transport for Dullton to put a plank across the stream.
yes please ... maybe we can build a garden on it and reclaim some of that 50 million the previous mayor lost somewhere?
I thought he was about to be prosecuted for misuse of public funds, but nothing seems to be happening.
...and never will, IMO.
He was also on the list of males in Westminster to be avoided by females. Nothing seems to have happened about that either.
To be honest, he should be on a list of males to be avoided by anyone - not for sexual reasons but just for his self-serving political twatness.
Or a few benches for the homeless to sleep on
How about some pot plants..I'm sure they would be popular.