Dagenham Dock Transport Masterplan & Chequers Lane Active Travel

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To help achieve this, Be First commissioned Steer to deliver the Dagenham Dock Transport Masterplan, supporting sustainable growth and improved connectivity across the Dagenham Dock Transformation Area (DDTA).

How we helped

Steer carried out site visits, stakeholder engagement and data analysis to develop a vision-led plan that improves transport and mobility in an area dominated by freight and heavy industry. Our proposals focus on making walking, cycling and public transport safer, more accessible and better connected to surrounding growth areas, including Barking Riverside and Dagenham Green.

Key interventions include:

• A new multi-modal bridge linking Breach Lane and Kent Avenue, creating space for buses and active travel.
• Safer walking and cycling infrastructure along busy freight corridors such as Breach Lane.
• A step-free pedestrian and cycle bridge at Dagenham Dock station to unlock north–south connections.
• A dedicated cycling route along Chequers Lane linking new housing with employment centres.
• Restoring a redundant bridge on Kent Avenue to enable sustainable access to major employers.
• A new shuttle bus service connecting employment and growth sites across the London Riverside area.

The outcome

The Masterplan balances ambition with deliverability, aligning proposals with funding opportunities and ensuring solutions meet the needs of local communities. Steer has since been commissioned to take forward concept designs into detailed design, with delivery of key schemes expected in 2026 through a variety of funding sources.

This project showcases Steer’s expertise in designing active travel and public transport solutions for complex industrial areas, helping local authorities meet carbon reduction goals while enabling regeneration and improving everyday connectivity.