Mr Thant wrote:

(I was inexplicably given an invite to the viewing gallery by the TfL
press office, and so have been rubbing shoulders with the big cheeses
that came up with this scheme)

Which viewing gallery was that? The western one above Brick Lane, or the
eastern one level with the starting position of the "back" of the bridge?

I managed to get on to the latter (the security guy was evidently in a
holiday mood). My photos from there and elsewhere have been added to the
"ELLX Shoreditch" collection at http://rjnews.fotopic.net , with photos M1
to M9 and R3, R4 being new today.

As far as I could tell it seemed to be going well today. Brick Lane and the
surrounding streets were buzzing as usual on a Sunday, with most people
there seemingly oblivious to the engineering marvel taking place behind
them.

--
Richard J.
(to email me, swap 'uk' and 'yon' in address)