Rotherhithe crossing

The proposed bridge would provide a link between Rotherhithe on the south side of the Thames, and Canary Wharf on the north side. Impound Lock, shown here, is one of three endpoints being considered for the bridge.

The Rotherhithe crossing or Brunel Bridge is a proposed bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the River Thames in London, England between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.

A bridge was first proposed at this location by Sustrans in 2008. The construction contract was awarded to Atkins in 2018.

Location

The three proposed sites for the bridge in the March 2018 consultation: the top site would join Nelson Dock Pier to Westferry Circus; the middle site would connect Durand's Wharf with Impound Lock; the bottom site would join Durand's Wharf to West India Dock[1]

The preferred location for the bridge identified in the feasibility study would be between the Impound Lock close to Cascades Tower on the northern (Canary Wharf) bank, and at Durand's Wharf park on the southern (Rotherhithe) bank.[2] These would connect to Westferry Circus, Impound Lock or West India Dock.

The Nelson Dock Pier to Westferry Circus connection received the most public support during the March 2018 consultation, with 79% being in favour, compared to 55% and 29% for the other links.[1]

There is currently a Thames Clippers ferry shuttle, the Canary Wharf – Rotherhithe Ferry, running a parallel course 250 metres north of the proposed bridge location. The Jubilee line runs directly underneath the proposed bridge, with the nearest stations at Canada Water and Canary Wharf.

Status

The project is listed in the 2014 National Infrastructure Plan[3] and has received support from the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson,[4] and by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.[5]

The crossing is listed in the Transport for London (TfL) 2015 consultation of new river crossings as "A pedestrian and cycle crossing linking Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf."[6]

Following publication of Sustrans' feasibility study into a crossing at this location in 2016, it was reported that TfL, who has been working with Sustrans to develop this project, had plans to run a design competition later in 2016.[7] Instead, however, initial market testing took place, with the actual procurement process later indicated to take place in 2017.[8] The procurement process appointed Atkins to develop proposals for the crossing as part of an engineering and architectural contract. Proposals will incorporate feedback from the November 2017 public consultation, before designs go out to further public consultation expected in summer 2018.[9]

TfL opened a public consultation on the crossing in November 2017. This sought public opinion on the preferred option of a moveable bridge, alongside alternatives including a tunnel (less likely due to costs and environmental impacts) but also an enhanced river ferry crossing (cheaper than a bridge, though less likely to encourage as many trips). Public response to the consultation was greatly in support of the crossing, with 93 per cent supporting proposals for a new crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, and 85% supporting TfL's preferred option of a navigable bridge[1].

Bridge designs

A final bridge design is yet to be determined, and designs will form part of the contract awarded to Atkins in 2018. A 2015 Arcadis study recommending a lifting or swing bridge for the location rather than a bascule bridge.[10]

Proposed bascule crossing by ReForm Architects

Independently, as a self-start and self-funded initiative, Nik Randall of ReForm Architects developed a design for a bridge in the location in 2014,[10] for which they achieved Registered Design status in the United Kingdom and European Union. ReForm believe that the Arcadis report prevented them from joining a bidding team for Atkins contract.[10] The ReForm design is a unique form of bascule bridge, using each back mast to both support the span and as a counterbalance. They describe it as being highly efficient, requiring only £10 of energy to open.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf Crossing - Consultation Report" (PDF). Transport for London. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  2. ↑ "Thames Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Canary Wharf to Rotherhithe - Chapter 3: Site Parameters and Constraints" (PDF). Sustrans (pdf). Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  3. ↑ HM Treasury, National Infrastructure Plan para 5.16
  4. ↑ The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/nov/24/revealed-the-new-thames-bridge-proposal-thats-a-no-brainer
  5. ↑ "Khan backs foot and cycle bridge at Rotherhithe".
  6. ↑ "Mayor sets out bold vision for 13 new river crossings for London". Transport for London.
  7. ↑ "New bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf would see over 10,000 cycle journeys a day according to Sustrans". road.cc. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
  8. ↑ "News | Brunel Bridge". brunelbridge.london. Retrieved 2017-05-25.
  9. ↑ "Atkins wins Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing design". New Civil Engineer. Retrieved 2018-04-04.
  10. 1 2 3 McIntyre, Fiona (16 March 2018). "Atkins wins Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf crossing design". New Civil Engineer. Retrieved 8 July 2018.

Coordinates: 51°30′10″N 0°01′48″W / 51.50264°N 0.02992°W / 51.50264; -0.02992

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