Skip to main content

Plans for new Thames crossing unveiled

On the 120th anniversary of the completion of London’s Tower Bridge, Arup, along with architects HOK, has unveiled its plans for a new bridge across the River Thames. The US$1 billion concept, called ‘Bridge East London’, would help transform leisure and business travel and enhance life in the east of the capital. It suggests a new road bridge over the River Thames, linking Beckton and Thamesmead at Gallions Reach. The proposed bridge would allow clear passage for ships and takes into account aircraf
July 1, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
On the 120th anniversary of the completion of London’s Tower Bridge, Arup, along with architects HOK, has unveiled its plans for a new bridge across the River Thames.

The US$1 billion concept, called ‘Bridge East London’, would help transform leisure and business travel and enhance life in the east of the capital. It suggests a new road bridge over the River Thames, linking Beckton and Thamesmead at Gallions Reach.

The proposed bridge would allow clear passage for ships and takes into account aircraft taking off or landing at City Airport. It would also provide a much needed link for cyclists, who will be able to enjoy a segregated cycle path, and open up new bus routes crossing the river.

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive, LCCI, says: “Nearly half of London’s population lives east of Tower Bridge yet they are served by only two fixed road river crossings.”

“London’s infrastructure is already under pressure and as the city’s population continues to grow it is more important than ever that we provide better accessibility and connectivity to integrate communities. Infrastructure projects such as Crossrail are going a long way to help increase capacity but this proposed bridge could provide a much needed link for east London,” commented Arup director Stephanos Samaras.

“Improving connectivity and accessibility is a key element of the regenerative process, and we strongly believe that a new bridge in this location will act as a powerful stimulant to growth, the strengthening of local communities and businesses, and the enhancement of the local environment,” said Richard Gammon, HOK’s global director, Aviation + Transportation.

Related Content

  • Emovis extends Mersey toll deal
    March 29, 2022
    Abertis-owned group's new contract for crossings near Liverpool, England, run to 2029
  • New York approves transit toll hikes
    October 15, 2019
    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has approved a package of toll and fare hikes to raise funds for large-scale improvements. Executive director Rick Cotton says: "We don't want to impose increases. But we must, on the other hand, support investment in our ageing, legacy facilities. Our infrastructure facilities are, simply, sub-par." A report in CTPost suggests the major projects include upgrades of LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty airports, a new AirTrain serving LaGuardia and a new mono
  • Spreading the word about Bike Share in the US
    April 19, 2016
    Smart bike share technology and funding policies help bridge the transit gap through the final mile as Andrew Bardin Williams explains. The sharing economy is coming to Portland this summer. BikeTown, the city’s new bike share program sponsored by Nike, will be launched in mid-July with 1,000 bicycles distributed across 100 stations throughout the city. Originally funded by a $2 million federal grant, the program has been boosted by a $10 million sponsorship deal with Nike ensures funding for the next five
  • Transportation hub the centre of sustainable urban development
    November 21, 2012
    A marriage of transit, technology and culture is taking shape in Minneapolis, with ITS systems vital to hopes for a sustainable development centred on a hub of public transportation. Construction started in July this year on ‘The Interchange’ – a station in the Midwest US city of Minneapolis claimed as the most spectacular expression yet of the fast-spreading North American concept of transit-oriented development (TOD). Due for completion in 2014, the Interchange is designed as a multi-modal public transpor