Bascule bridge for London Docklands wins public approval
A new pedestrian bascule bridge in London’s Docklands has received “substantial public backing” at recent consultation.
Designed by Arcadis, Knight Architects and Kgal for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, , the proposed South Dock Bridge will support increased volumes of pedestrian traffic which are predicted with the expansion of the Isle of Dogs.
The bridge has been designed as a sculpted two-span variable-depth steel beam with a single central pier in the dock. Each of these spans is approximately 35m long.
In addition to this, the bridge provides a permanent 15m-wide and 3m-high navigable channel for smaller boats to pass underneath and, thanks to a movable (bascule) north span, a 25m wide channel without height restriction for taller ships. The deck width varies from 7.8m at the south end to 15.4m at the north.
Once completed, the crossing is expected to become one of the busiest pedestrian bridges in London.
The planning application has been submitted, and a decision is expected this month.
Work is expected to start on site in 2022, with the crossing scheduled to open in 2023.
