|
|
Millenium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge opened on 10 June 2000 as London�s first new Thames crossing in more than 100 years. �7m of its �18m cost came from the Millennium Commisison. The 320m-long structure was designed by the architect Sir Norman Foster with sculptor Sir Anthony Caro and engineers Arup. It was opened by The Queen. The bridge uses "lateral suspension" - an engineering innovation that allows suspension bridges to be built without tall supporting columns. The designers predicted it would be a "blade of light" across the Thames, "an absolute statement of our capabilities at the beginning of the 21st century". Within days they closed it to the public. Tens of thousands of people crossed the bridge on its opening day. The structure was designed to take the weight but suddenly developed a very worrying and obvious wobble. While work continued on the bridge, visitors were treated to the occasional sight of hundreds of paid volunteers walking over the bridge in army-type formations as the engineers battled to correct the swaying. After nearly two years of testing, the alterations were deemed a success and the bridge finally reopened to the public in February 2002 - and the swaying was banished forever! After all the excitement of its rocky birth, the bridge has now settled down to prove itself a valuable asset to London, appreciated by both tourists and the throngs of tourists who flock across it every summer. Linking the two major tourist attractions of St Paul's Cathedral and the fabulous Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge is a worthy addition to London's riverside and well worth a visit.
|
