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Boris Johnson approves controversial £175 million Thames bridge plans

London Mayor Boris Johnson has approved plans for a controversial garden bridge across the River Thames.

The £175 million footbridge, which will link Temple with the Southbank, has been criticised over its location and cost, according to the BBC.

It is estimated seven million trips per year will be made across the bridge.

Construction could begin next year, the mayor’s office said.

Mr Johnson said: “The garden bridge will provide a fantastic new landmark for London whilst supporting regeneration and economic growth on both sides of the Thames.

“It will create a stunning oasis of tranquillity in the heart of our city and boost our plans to encourage walking in the city.”

Head of infrastructure at Business group London First, David Leam, said: “One of the key planks of London’s future success will be its attractiveness as a global visitor destination.

“But in the short term the bridge’s impact on jobs and growth in the city would be dwarfed by tunnels or bridges proposed at Silvertown and Gallions Reach in east London, on which progress has been painfully slow.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .