A fresh bid is to be launched by the DCLG to build a £385m bridge in east London to boost the Thames Gateway redevelopment.

Officials at the department revealed to The MJ they would revisit a decision taken in July to defer the project. They also hoped transport secretary, Ruth Kelly, would renew the support she showed for the project when she headed the DCLG.

A public inquiry is set to gauge support for the road bridge connecting Beckton to Thamesmead in east London.

In July's announcement, the DCLG pledged to gather more evidence to support the plan, adding: ‘We remain committed to the Thames Gateway bridge.'

The DCLG official confirmed it was ready to go forward. ‘We're going to have another crack at it, as transport is crucial to the Gateway's success. We now know where we went wrong the first time so we're more confident this time.

‘The increase in jobs and housing targets are added incentives.'

The need for better transport links was highlighted in computer modelling work by consultancy firm Mouchel for the South Essex sub-region. It found job creation and transport links in outlying areas would be crucial for sustainable communities.

Andrew Potter, divisional manager for Transport Planning East, said: ‘The implications for the projections of job growth in the region are significant.

‘The "do minimum" scenario suggests here will be considerably fewer jobs created than projected in the original plan, while the growth in household numbers is above what was anticipated.

‘What this indicates is that without further transport investment, the South Essex sub-region of the Gateway will see an increase in "out-commuting" and journey length – the reliance on Greater London to provide jobs for those residents will increase.'