Work is to begin this summer on a new £90 million river crossing in London, it has been announced.

A joint venture (JV) between Bouygues Travaux Publics and Cimolai SpA has now signed a contract to build the Garden Bridge structure over the River Thames.

The JV will be responsible for completing the detailed design, construction and planting works on the project.

Both Bouygues and Cimolai have been working with the Garden Bridge Trust since they were appointed for preconstruction services in April 2015.

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Features of the projects technical proposals include completing the bridge's construction in 32 months, keeping Bernie Spain Gardens open and maintaining the width of Queen’s Walk pathway to 7.6 metres during construction.

Lord Mervyn Davies, Chairman of the Garden Bridge Trust, said: "The Garden Bridge is a reality. We are on course with our fundraising targets, we are meeting the requirements of our planning conditions. We have huge public support for the project and we look forward to working with Bouygues TP and Cimolai and all our partners to make this a special place to be enjoyed by Londoners and visitors in the heart of the city for years to come."

The JV is supported by Flint and Neil and Moxon Architects as designers. Arup, Heatherwick Studio and Dan Pearson Studios will continue to provide advice to the Trust about the Bridge design and construction.

The project is due to be completed in late 2018.

(LM/CD)