Thames Estuary Path missing link secures funding

Construction work is set to start on a new traffic-free bridge over the River Mardyke to link Purfleet with the new RSPB Rainham Marshes visitor centre.

The project will provide the missing link in the Thames Estuary Path from London to Thurrock, and will provide access between Purfleet and the RSPB nature reserve.

The Veolia ES Cleanaway Mardyke Trust has committed £250,000 - the largest award it has made to any project - to build the bridge, which will be called The Veolia Mardyke Bridge.

Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, will lead the project in partnership with Thurrock Council, the RSPB, the Veolia ES Cleanaway Mardyke Trust and Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

The development corporation provided over £50,000 for initial feasibility studies and for an artist to work with the local community on the design of the bridge and surrounds.

Work is expected to start in Spring of next year.