Delays to consultation on Rotherhithe Bridge as tfL look to slash costs

A public consultation for the new Rotherhithe Crossing foot and cycle bridge has been postponed pending a costing exercise for the bridge.  

David Hughes, TfL investment delivery planning director, told a London Assembly budget and performance committee meeting that £330 million had been set aside to fund the bridge. The bridge is now undergoing a value engineering exercise to see if it could be delivered within that budget.

According to the Architects Journal, another option instead of a bridge is a shuttle ferry link.

The scheme was due to begin at the end of last month, however the delay has allowed TfL to do more costings on the project. The new crossing, which will allow pedestrians and cyclists access between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, aims to relieve existing transport links and support growth in the Canada Water and Isle of Dogs areas. 

The Mayor has previously stated that the bridge could be privately funded using a public private partnership (PPP) model and therefore TfL could seek contributions from developers,  An alternative ferry scheme to the bridge is currently being developed by Thames Clipper which is estimated to cost a tenth of the cost of building the bridge. The bridge will be the world’s longest lifting bridge at 90m high and spanning 180m across the Thames.

Image Source: TfL