New walking and cycling bridge over the River Crane in London Borough of Richmond

The completion of a new bridge in Kneller Gardens, funded by Transport for London (TfL), will make it easier for people to get around Twickenham on foot and by bike from this week. The Kingfisher Bridge has been developed by the London Borough of Richmond and TfL with support from Sustrans and will provide a much-needed alternative to the existing narrow footbridge.

As well as helping people get to and from Kneller Gardens the bridge will also improve cycling and walking routes to Richmond Upon Thames College, the Stoop and Whitton Station.

Tom Sharland of Sustrans said: "This bridge will make a massive difference to anyone wanting to walk and cycle in Twickenham. We are sure it will be enjoyed by commuters, rugby fans, students and anyone wanting to enjoy this green and wildlife-rich part of west London.

“It also has a wider role to play as part of a wider network of greenways in South West London. We are delighted to have worked with Richmond and TfL on this project and look forward to seeing many people using it."

Peter McBride, Head of Cycling, Walking and Accessibility at TfL, added: "We are delighted to have provided funding for Kingfisher Bridge which is the latest addition to the Greenways network of routes that link London's parks, rivers and other open spaces.

“I am confident the new bridge will be well used and much enjoyed by pedestrians and cyclists who now have a direct, convenient and accessible route through Kneller Gardens."

The bridge has been made possible thanks to funding from Transport for London's greenways programme. A proposed network of greenways in South West London - of which the River Crane route and the new bridge are part - is currently being consulted with local residents and organisations.

Cllr David Trigg, Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, said: "This bridge will be a smart new addition to Kneller Gardens, and will make the area more enjoyable for cyclists to visit - at the moment they are expected to get off their bikes to cross the bridge, but when the new one is in place they can ride straight across.

"The gardens have always been popular with cyclists and the Council is pleased to be making these improvements, which will encourage more people to get on their bikes and use the cycle route to get around the borough in an environmentally friendly way."

People who would like to find out more, and participate in the consultation, can visit www.sustrans.org.uk/goal.