New London Bridge Could Provide A Vital Passage Across The River

https://uk.screen.yahoo.com/thames-boomerang-bridge-cyclists-pedestrians-143551398.html

It is the third bridge to be proposed in London over the last few years - but this one might just be the most welcome after it failed to garner a single objection to its construction.

If constructed, the new pedestrian and cycle bridge will offer a cross-river route for cyclists and pedestrians between Rotherhithe and the Isle of Dogs in east London - an area considered to be severely lacking in river connections.

At present, the only options to go between the two include taking the Jubilee Line, waiting for a river boat, or instead risking your health by going through the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

Instead, the new bridge will provide a new route for over 105,000 city workers - and has been described as a ‘no brainer’ by architect Nik Randall - a Southwark resident who designed the bridge with engineers Elliot Wood.
‘It has the potential to unlock journeys way beyond the surrounding area, encouraging people to cycle to work who might not ever have considered it before’, he said.

But while previous plans for the bridge were shelved in favour of the much-maligned Emirates Airline cable car, Nik adds that the project has received ‘universal support and enthusiasm so far.’

Caroline Pidgeon, deputy chair of the London Assembly’s transport committee added: ‘A pedestrian and cycling bridge linking Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf would provide a vital link where at present there is a total lack of adequate provision for pedestrians and cyclists.

‘Unlike the garden bridge this is a bridge that is desperately needed and where public money should be spent.

‘I also welcome interest from architects in designing a new bridge, however it is vital that unlike the garden bridge the design contract is only awarded after a fully open and fair competitive procurement process.’