Features

The Plans

The proposed bridge will connect the A406/A13 junction in Beckton with the A2016 Eastern and Western Way in Thamesmead.  It will have a span of 650 metres with four lanes for general traffic and two lanes dedicated to public transport. 

The Aims

According to Transport for London, the aim of the new TGB is to:

• Improve accessibility to and within the Thames Gateway area
• Support the regeneration of East London
• Reduce journey times
• Improve access to a wider range of jobs, business opportunities, community facilities and services.

When will it start?

The bridge is expected to be built by 2013. Applications for the scheme were submitted in 2004 and a public inquiry was held from June 2005 to May 2006. In November 2006 the Treasury announced its approval for the Public Finance Initiative (PFI) credits requred to build the bridge. In July 2007, the government deferred their decision on the bridge until further evidence is considered at a reopened public inquiry.

The Objectors

In the public inquiry held between June 2005 and May 2006, there were many objections from those who believed that the new bridge wasn't needed. Objectors  included:

• John Elliot from the Thames Gateway Forum who said that the bridge does not fit into the London Plan and will unbalance policy for the east of London by increasing road traffic and pollution.

Aeriel view of the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge

• Environmental Group, Friends of the Earth, have said that ‘the proposed new TGB will lead to more traffic congestion, air pollution and an increase in noise pollution.’  They say that some areas will experience ‘significant increases in traffic volumes’ as a result of the bridge and more than 7,000 properties in the vicinity of the bridge would experience ‘a long term increase in traffic noise’. 

• According to TFL ‘little impact’ will be made on other local crossings, such as the Blackwall Tunnel and the Dartford crossing.

• London Mayor, Ken Livingstone has said that the project will mean less congestion and better access which will benefit both business and economy. However, Friends of the Earth's Campaigns Co-Ordinator, Jenny Bates, has said that ‘the Mayor makes dubious claims that the bridge will benefit local communities with jobs and better health. But in reality, local people will bear the brunt of the pollution and noise, while seeing little of the benefit. This whole plan shows a blatant disregard for people and the environment’