South Dock Bridge | Canary Wharf

LONDON

Year: 2021 – Current
Cost: Confidential
Sector: Infrastructure
Client: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

South Dock Bridge represents critical investment in the Isle of Dogs, offering a transformative solution to growing infrastructure demands in one of London's fastest-developing areas. With Tower Hamlets' population projected to grow from 324,745 (2020) to 372,766 by 2030, this pedestrian bridge will address pressing needs for improved connectivity, alleviate congestion on existing infrastructure, and provide essential support for planned residential and commercial developments on the Isle of Dogs.

The Isle of Dogs, in east London has been a major trading centre beside the River Thames for almost two hundred years, with Canary Wharf located here since 1980. The South Dock is one of two surviving docks on the Isle of Dogs. Levels of pedestrian traffic have grown above what could be accommodated by the existing infrastructure, this led Tower Hamlets Council to plan a new bridge.

South Dock Bridge is expected to become one of the busiest pedestrian bridges in London.

The structure is a two-span variable-depth steel beam with a single central pier in the dock. Each of the spans is approximately 35m long. The bridge provides a permanent navigable channel for smaller boats to pass underneath and a 25m wide channel without height restriction, courtesy of a bascule lifting span. The deck width varies from 7.8m at the south end to 15.4m at the north.

A triangular void in the movable span directs people away from an existing emergency staircase serving the adjacent building. It also makes the structure more transparent, distinctive, and memorable, allowing views through the deck when the bridge is raised. The north abutment hosts the drive mechanism and a concealed counterweight to minimise the energy needed to open the bridge.

Paying tribute to the history of Canary Wharf, the bridge’s sculptural geometry echoes the curved base of the historic cranes that were once sited along the quays.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

LB Tower Hamlets | Greater London Authority | Transport for London | Canary Wharf Group | Knight Architects