Crossing the Thames is about to become more pedestrian-friendly. Westminster Council has approved a £175 million 'Garden Bridge' that will allow pedestrian traffic only.
The Mayor of London is the last person who needs to approve the bridge, and Londonist reports that he is in favor of its construction. If built, it will span the Thames from the Temple tube station to the South Bank.
Some organizations have expressed concern about the plans, especially the bridge's expected seven million annual visitors. In addition, cyclists do not appreciate the fact that the bridge will be open only to pedestrians.
Between the government, Transport for London and private donors, £90 million has been raised for the bridge's construction so far. The mayor has said that the bridge will reduce auto traffic by providing more opportunities for city denizens to walk; that it will benefit the local economy; and that it will improve the health and quality of life for London residents and visitors.
The bridge is slated to open in 2018.
Related Stories
| May 3, 2013
SMPS Foundation accepting applications for Ron Garikes Student Scholarship
The SMPS Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications from eligible students majoring in marketing, communications, or public relations who are planning a career in professional services marketing in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
| May 3, 2013
Another edible city? Artist creates model city with chewing gum
French artist Jeremy Laffon pieced together a model city with thousands of sticks of mint-green chewing gum.
| May 2, 2013
First look: UC-Davis art museum by SO-IL and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
The University of California, Davis has selected emerging New York-based practice SO-IL to design a new campus’ art museum, which is envisioned to be a “regional center of experimentation, participation and learning.”
| May 2, 2013
A snapshot of the world's amazing construction feats (in one flashy infographic)
From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the U.S. Interstate Highway System, this infographic outlines interesting facts about some of the world's most notable construction projects.
| May 2, 2013
Holl-designed Campbell Sports Center completed at Columbia
Steven Holl Architects celebrates the completion of the Campbell Sports Center, Columbia University’s new training and teaching facility.
| May 2, 2013
BIM group proposes uniform standards for how complete plans need to be
A nationwide group of Building Information Modeling users, known as the BIMForum, is seeking industry input on a proposed set of standards establishing how complete Building Information Models (BIMs) need to be for different stages of the design and construction process.
| May 2, 2013
New web community aims to revitalize abandoned buildings
Italian innovators Andrea Sesta and Daniela Galvani hope to create a worldwide database of abandoned facilities, ripe for redevelopment, with their [im]possible living internet community.