Greater London currently has thirty
three bridges. The majority are public bridges where traffic and
pedestrians mingle but a few are exclusively railway bridges.
Southwark bridge seen in my night photo below opened in 1921. Of
arch construction, Southwark bridge is apparently the least used
of the central London bridges. I have no figures or comparisons
for London bridges away from the centre but if you are so
inclined and are of a bridge anorak demeanour I am sure the
fascinating facts can be obtained. What I have gleaned from a
quick search is that it was designed by Ernest George and Basil
Mott and it is closed for one special weekend each year as part
of the Thames festival which I have attended and taken photos,
one of which can be seen on the
August 2015 page and more directly
here.
A new London bridge is in the offing and it is a much
anticipated river crossing for Londoners. The Joanna Lumley
bridge or as it will probably be known the 'garden bridge' will
be a footbridge only crossing so no motorised traffic except
perhaps allowing two wheeled segway or stand-up machines and
bicycles. Wheelchair users will of course be very welcome. The
garden bridge as its name implies will be a bridge like no
other London bridge. Trees, garden shrubs and flowers will greet
visitors eager to make use of the newest London bridge and the
copper nickel structure supporting this London oasis has a
sculptural form in the Art Deco style |