Plans for a new crossing of England's River Thames have taken a major step forward with government approval of three key legal orders, covering compulsory land purchase, road alterations and permission to build a permanent road bridge.

Walton Bridge in Surrey will be the first new road crossing of the Thames in about 20 years. It will be an arch structure, with its highest point about 10m above the road.

The final major step is for the government to confirm funding of more than US$48 million. "All we need now is the government's confirmation that the funding is still available. Then it will be full speed ahead," said Surrey County Council's cabinet member for transport Ian Lake.

The council hopes preparation work for the scheme can start in early 2010, with construction finishing in the summer of 2013.