Sustrans is working on plans for a new cycling and walking bridge and this is their latest proposal. It would run from Durand’s Wharf on the south bank to the West India Dock Impounding Station at Canary Wharf. Sustrans are still thinking so their proposals may change but a new community website has been set up to support this version of their plan.

The new bridge would bring the DLR, Crossrail, Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe within cycling distance of each other. It would save cyclists from the horrors of the tunnels and make us independent of the Woolwich foot tunnel and ferry.

If built, it would connect Greenwich and Deptford (on NCR 4) and Peckham and Rotherhithe (on NCR 425) plus the Thames Path at Durand’s Wharf with cycle routes 1,13 and CS 3 on the north bank. What’s not to like?

No celebrities behind it so far and no money, but, crucially no plans for steps, trees or night closure. The mayor likes it and even the government seems to. Southwark Council is lined up behind the idea in principle (no money then) and in an election year Lib Dem MP Simon Hughes is all in favour. Let’s have a great bridge named after one of the world’s greatest engineers.

Here’s a good blog about it called IliveinSE16 and billing itself as “an online hub for everything in Bermondsey, Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe and Canada Water”. It’s got pictures of the maybe bridge and loads of info about the Surrey Canal, now sadly no more.