£175 million 'Garden Bridge' gets the green light to cross the Thames

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.

Two innovations—program manager Gafcon’s SharePoint360 project management platform and a new BIM “wall creator” add-on developed by ClarkDietrich Building Systems for use with the Revit BIM platform and construction consultant—show how fabricators and owner’s reps are stepping in to fill the gaps between construction and design that can typically be exposed by working with a 3D model.