Thames Gateway Bridge - Definition

The Thames Gateway Bridge is a proposed new crossing of the River Thames, expected to be built between 2009 and 2013 to connect Beckton in the borough of Newham with Thamesmead in the borough of Greenwich.

The bridge will have a span of some 650 metres, must allow a 50 metre vertical clearance for ships, yet not impede the flight path of the nearby London City Airport. A number of designs have been prepared for public consultation; two are arched structures, and another two are a truss structure, and a box girder structure. The designs foresee one bus lane and two road carriageways in each direction, and provide for the later introduction of trams or a light railway. The estimated cost, in 2003 figures, is £435 million.

Public consultation showed 85% of respondents were in favour of the proposed bridge. However 74% also supported keeping the Woolwich Ferry open "in some form". (Source: TFL Board paper on the bridge (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/downloads/pdf/thames-gateway-bridge/TGBBoard-mar-2004.pdf))