Local authorities at both ends of London's proposed Thames Gateway Bridge have provisionally given the go-ahead for the river crossing. Greenwich Council approved the structure on Tuesday, followed by Newham yesterday. Legal issues remain to be agreed and the bridge still has to be approved by London's mayor Ken Livingstone. The 650m-long spine bridge would provide segregated lanes for general traffic and public transport as well as space for pedestrians and cyclists. Opening is expected in 2012.