Sustrans bike bridge Canary Wharf - Rotherhithe

Sustrans' Thames cycle bridge comes a step closer
By Richard Peace

Sustrans’ plans for the first major purpose-built, dedicated cycling and pedestrian bridge over the Thames have just received a boost in the form of a report detailing exactly how it could happen. If the bridge goes ahead it would be the longest span raising cycle and pedestrian bridge in the world.

The study, funded by Transport for London (TfL) was produced by bridge engineers and designers Ramboll Whitbybird. The initial idea was mooted just over two years ago on the back of the announcement that London was to host the 2012 Olympics. The new report looks in much more detail at potential sites, navigational constraints, design possibilities and likely costs.

According to the report the ideal location for the Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf Bridge is between Durand's Wharf, a park on the Southwark bank, and Westferry Road. This proposed new location takes into account the requirements of shipping on the Thames – the planned lift bridge would be able to raise itself to varying heights, depending on the nature of the craft passing underneath, thereby minimizing delay to cyclists and pedestrians. It will also link to public transport networks on both sides of the river. The report puts the cost of the bridge at around £65 million.

The bridge would form part of a wider package cycling plans designed to address the capital's transport needs as part of the 2012 Olympic Games legacy. It would give more direct access for thousands of people from south of the River Thames to the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf and the rest of the City and Thames Gateway (an area due for massive development over coming years).

Sadly for London cyclists, whilst the bridge was originally hoped to be ready for use for the 2012 Olympics and to be funded in part by the Olympic Delivery Authority, it appears neither will now be the case. The current cycle-possible crossings of the Thames in the immediate area are the Greenwich Foot Tunnel - where cyclists must dismount and also contend with steps - and Rotherhithe Tunnel, which the report notes is little-used by cyclists and pedestrians due to a lack of ventilation and the squeezing together of motorized and non-motorised traffic.

Carl Pittam, Sustrans' Director for London said: "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. We will continue to work with TfL and the relevant Boroughs (Southwark and Tower Hamlets) to ensure that the process continues to run smoothly."

One potential sticking point appears to be the question of precisely where such a large amount of money is to come from. Sustrans have publicly acknowledged TfL’s generosity in funding the recent feasibility study, however, a TfL spokesperson told Bikeradar: "Whilst TfL is broadly in support of the bridge, it is simply beyond our current spending plans - £65 million is almost the amount we spent in the last financial year on all walking and cycling projects."

Looks like a Hot Wheels playset... which is a good thing.

this is good. i'm not often down that way, but the rotherhide tunnel is nasty nasty nasty

"Whilst TfL is broadly in support of the bridge, it is simply beyond our current spending plans - £65 million is almost the amount we spent in the last financial year on all walking and cycling projects."

You/ve got to feel they need to start spending more.

why dont they just allow bikes to use the greenwich tunnel and build a rap to it??? Would cost a fraction of the price and serve pretty much the same purpose no?

Time to get some sponsorship perhaps?

Time to get some sponsorship perhaps?

Where are the Arrospok photoshoppers when you need them?