The UK's Department of Transport has begun a public local inquiry this week into a new bridge across the River Thames in Walton, Surrey.

Surrey County Council's scheme involves construction of an arch bridge crossing the river in a single span and a viaduct to carry the road over an adjoining area of open space. The bridge will have a slender roadway supported by hangers from two parabolic steel arches. Advance works for the scheme are planned to start in February 2010, subject to all the necessary approvals being granted.