New London bridge design unveiled

Arup and architects HOK have unveiled their design vision for a new bridge across the River Thames in London, UK.

Called Bridge East London, the new road bridge would link Beckton and Thamesmead at Gallions Reach.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) commissioned the design in response to the current lack of road crossings at the eastern stretch of the Thames.

Nearly half of London’s population lives east of Tower Bridge, but there are only two fixed road river crossings beyond this point.

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of LCCI, said, “New road river crossings linking east and south east London over the Thames will bring new jobs and homes to an area of the capital that has been overlooked for too long.”

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 segregated cycle path, and open up new bus routes crossing the river.

Stephanos Samaras, director of Arup, said, “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.”