New Regent’s Canal cyclist bridge will be closed at night

A new bridge for cyclists at Kings Cross will provide a crossing for the Regent’s Canal - but it will be closed at night.

The new bridge has been approved by Camden Council. Named Somers Town Bridge, it will open in spring 2017 and will link Camley Street to the heart of the ongoing King’s Cross development.

The bridge will spans the Regent’s Canal between Camley Street and what will be known as Gasholder Gardens, forming an important connection for pedestrians and cyclists to the west, into Somers Town.

At its slimmest point, the bridge is only 15mm thick and yet ingenious engineering mean that the entire 38-metre crossing is spanned without any intermediate support.

It is designed to complement the Victorian design nearby, with an industrial aesthetic and a minimalist shape.

Speaking about the planning approval, Anthony Peter, Project Director at  the railway developer Argent said: “We’re delighted that the bridge gained planning approval – it is an important connection for pedestrians and cyclists coming to King’s Cross.”

Moxon Architects practice director Ben Addy, said: “In such a diverse context of landmark structures and historic fabric it is inappropriate for the new bridge to be an overly flamboyant structure: it will be a considered and beautiful addition to the location, but even more than this we have develop a design that is as emphatically and enjoyably practical as its Victorian neighbours.”

The bridge will be three and half metres wide, and weigh 60 tonnes, constructed in four parts which will be welded in place over the space of one weekend.

After concerns were raised about security, the developers and council have arranged for the bridge to be closed at night for the first year, with a review at that point.