Span: A possible design for the Thames Gateway Bridge
The Council approved planning application for the Thames Gateway Bridge, linking Thamesmead to Beckton, on 14 December 2004.
Following a public inquiry, decision has been deferred.
About the bridge
The new bridge will provide a four-lane carriageway for general traffic (two lanes in each direction), two segregated lanes for public transport and facility for pedestrians and cyclists.
Public inquiry - decision deferred
The decison was deferred to allow more thorough examination of a number of issues. Of particular concern to petitioners are:
- traffic forecasts
- regeneration benefits.
The Inspector's report supports these concerns. It says that the submitted traffic forecasts are of limited reliability and the claimed regeneration benefits are not adequately proven.
Post-inquiry correspondence
It is also now necessary for the re-opened Inquiry to consider additional post-inquiry correspondence, some new legislation and new policies, for example climate change.
What the delay means for Greenwich
The expected delay is about a year. Transport for London will perform more work based on the detailed findings in the Inspector's report.
A revised scheme that is more sustainable, more environmentally acceptable and more attractive to all potential users should result.
For further information about the public inquiry, visit the Thames Gateway Bridge Public Inquiry website.
Find out more
Read the Planning Board report for more information .
The full planning application can be viewed on the Transport for London website.
Read about the effects the regeneration will have on the residents of Greenwich.