Government approves £32m Thames bridge

A new £32 million bridge over the River Thames was given the go-ahead by the Government today.

Forming part of the A244, the bridge between Walton and Shepperton in Surrey will replace an existing temporary bridge.

The Department for Transport has agreed to invest £23.8 million towards the new permanent arch bridge.

This follows work by Surrey County Council - which will provide the rest of the money - to reduce the scheme costs, resulting in a saving of more than £5 million for the taxpayer.

The bridge will provide motorists, pedestrians and cyclists with access to major employers, schools and retail centres. The scheme also includes junction improvements, a widened pathway along the riverside and improved facilities for horse riders.

Approving the scheme today local transport minister Norman Baker said: "The new bridge will bring long-term benefits for all those travelling in the area. Without this investment motorists would have faced huge disruption and delays as the temporary bridge reached the end of its life."

Surrey County Council expects to commence construction works in early 2011 and for the new bridge to be completed and opened to traffic by summer 2013, with the existing temporary bridge being removed and final landscaping works completed in spring 2014.