London Bridge

The new bridge is fast approaching to completion. The Committee have determined to widen the approach from the Monument from 45 to 55 feet. Some strong objections have been made to the steps at the side entrance from Thames street. Instead of being a spacious place of admission, the steps are so constructed as to render it exceedingly confined, and, it is apprehended, to subject it to all manner of nuisances. With the exception of this defect, every thing that has been done appears to have been dictated by a good taste. It will be recollected that some time ago two of the larger arches of old London Bridge were widened, by breaking the two neighbouring arches into them. The effect of this was remarkable. The current was so great through the enlarged arches that the water under that on the City side became 14 feet deeper in a very short time than it had been. Some apprehensions were entertained relative to the abutments, when the immense power of the current was so unequivocally exhibited; but the Committee immediately set all fears at rest, by throwing round the abutments an enormous mass of stones which they had at the Isle of Dogs. It is believed that several houses in the line of approach to the new London Bridge, but not included in the list of those in the Compensation List, must come down. The Committee are, it appears, doing all they can to limit the expenses as much as possible, but consistently with a conscientious feeling for the property of individuals.