A major new London footbridge has been given the green light.
The 63-metre steel bowstring arch bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will span the River Lea at Ailsa Wharf. When complete it will provide “a well needed connection” between the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham, the local authorities said, as well as better access to community facilities, public transport and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The crossing “will seek to support a shift away from” car traffic and “support healthier and environmentally friendlier lifestyles”, Tower Hamlets planning officers added.
But it was warned that a hydraulic mechanism needed to lift the bridge when larger boats pass through the waterway is “a costly piece of equipment to maintain”.
“The London Borough of Tower Hamlets highways has no budget from which they could fund any maintenance [or] repair,” planning officers said.
“It is understood that external funding will be available for this but I must stress the point that the Tower Hamlets highway authority are unable to contribute towards this.”
Councillors approved the bridge plans at a development committee on Tuesday night. The proposals are due to be nodded through by Newham town hall later this year.
Water crossings in east London have become a major point of contention in recent years as the area has seen a significant increase in the number of housing developments.
A bridge across the River Lea at Cody Dock was granted planning permission several years ago, but later scrapped due to the almost 3000-home Poplar Riverside development taking up space designated for it.
The South Dock Bridge to Canary Wharf was supposed to have been completed four years ago, but construction is yet to begin.
Read More
It comes as it was revealed a broken road bridge in north east London, which has been shut to motor vehicles for almost a year, will stay closed for “a significant amount of time” due to a lack of funding.
The price-tag to repair Broadmead Road Bridge in Woodford - which carries four lanes of traffic over the Central line - is thought to be “over £25million and potentially significantly more”.
Meanwhile it has been warned that Hammersmith Bridge in west London will not be reopened to cars for at least another five years, even if the £250 million estimated cost of fixing it is found today.
The crossing was hurriedly closed to vehicles five years ago after its owner, Hammersmith and Fulham council, found that its wrought-iron structure was riddled with cracks.
Cyclists will still be able to cross the bridge by dismounting and walking their bikes across on the footpaths, Hammersmith and Fulham council said.
