New Bridge Connects IQL to East Bank

On Christmas day 2019, the new Carpenters Land Bridge was installed, connecting East Bank to International Quarter London (IQL) for pedestrians and cyclists.

The process to install the 66-metre long, 350 ton steel bridge took 12 hours, with workers from contractor GRAHAM beginning the work at 3.30am on Christmas morning. Why such an unsociable time? The project planners took advantage of the rail network Christmas shutdown. The project was planned and managed by the London Legacy Development Corporation, alongside project management partners MACE and construction partners GRAHAM.

The bridge is now a key part of the infrastructure for East Bank. For those of you who don’t know, East Bank is the new £1.1 billion culture and education district being created on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The new bridge will mean that visitors, workers and residents of IQL can easily connect to museums, theatres, music studios and UAL’s London College of Fashion.

Installing such a large (and heavy) piece of infrastructure takes patience, accuracy and a whole lot of special kit. To watch a time lapse video of the build, take a look on Youtube.

Andrew Tobin, Project Director for IQL, Lendlease said: “This bridge will be of great benefit to the community at IQL as it will provide swift and easy access to the world-class cultural and education institutions and waterfront leisure space that East Bank has to offer.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “The installation of the Carpenters Land Bridge is another key moment in the East Bank development. It will provide access to local people and visitors from around the globe to the world-leading institutions that are set to be based at the country’s new powerhouse of culture, education, innovation and growth.”

Now all that remains to be done, is completion of drainage works, and protection of the bridge from the elements.