'Virtual tour' for Thames bridge

A virtual model is giving people the chance to see exactly how a new bridge planned across the River Thames will fit into the existing landscape. A permanent crossing between Shepperton and Walton-on-Thames, in Surrey, has been under discussion since the 1980s.

A new planning application has now been submitted for an arched bridge, with a priority

T-junction on the south side. The plans are on display at The Heart shopping centre, in Walton-on-Thames, from Thursday to Sunday.

Arch lowered
A Surrey County Council spokeswoman said there would be a physical model, as well as a virtual exhibit which people can use to place themselves "within" certain locations and viewpoints around the bridge.

They can also talk to planning officers and make comments on the proposals. A decision on the planning application is currently expected in February. The council had to go back to the drawing board over the bridge, after previous proposals involving a "clover-leaf" road design were rejected by the government. The new bridge has a lower arch and a T-junction at Cowey Sale, on the Walton-on-Thames side.

The area currently has two bridges which were meant to be temporary - a road one which opened in 1999 and a pedestrian and cycle crossing dating back more than 50 years.

Source: BBC News, Monday, 10 September 2007