24 November 2015
Our feasibility study brings a new bridge at Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs a step closer
This drawing illustrates where the bridge could be located
We have completed a feasibility study that could lead to a crucial new walking and cycling bridge and help to transform East London by providing a vital transport link across the Thames between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
It is estimated the new bridge will support over 10,000 cycle trips per day – or ten Jubilee line trains packed-full of commuters. It would also put the 30,000 people living on the Rotherhithe Peninsula within an easy walk of Canary Wharf.
Matt Winfield, Acting Regional Director for Sustrans in London“ It is possible to build this relatively quickly and to create real value for Londoners. ”
Currently the only bridge over the river Thames in the entire 20 miles to the east of Tower Bridge is the incredibly busy Dartford Crossing in Kent which forms part of the M25 motorway route.
Matt Winfield, Acting Regional Director for Sustrans in London said:
“There is a vital investment of £913 million being made as part of the Mayor's plan to upgrade London’s roads for cycling. This will get huge swathes of people travelling by bicycle in the capital. But there is no way for them to easily get across the river in East London.
"This is the capital’s most needed river crossing, providing the strategic link from tens of thousands of homes south of the river in Rotherhithe and south London, to tens of thousands of jobs in Canary Wharf and the fast-developing Isle of Dogs.
"Our study shows there is an excellent business case for building a walking and cycling bridge here.
"Let’s not wait any longer to unlock the potential in East London.”
We are working with Transport for London (TfL) and other stakeholders on options to take the plans forward. The project will need support from the public and private sector.
We worked with specialists reForm Architects, Elliott Wood, Arup and Cass Hayward to develop the feasibility study. The next stage of the project will include the selection of a world-class, cost-effective design.
With commitment and funding the bridge could be built under the next Mayor of London and launched in 2020.