Consultation reveals "overwhelming"support for Canary Wharf-Rotherhithe cycling and walking bridge

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.