The London Millennium Bridge is being closed for three weeks due to structural degradation on its underside.
Closing to pedestrians from Saturday 14 October, the Millennium Bridge, also known as the “wobbly” bridge will undergo maintenance following years of wear and tear. With the bridge being a vital footpath across the Thames linking the City of London to the Tate Modern gallery on the South Bank, the structural upgrade will ensure that it can continue to operate safely.
According to the Chair of the City Bridge Foundation, the bridge needs repairs to its separation layer under the bridge deck which will take considerable time, needing work to be carried out “round the clock” to get it back open again.
The bridge is one of London’s most iconic features and spans 325 metres and was first opened in 2000. Since its launch, it has been fitted with shock absorbers to dampen lateral movement. Early users of the bridge complained that it swayed and got the nickname of the wobbly bridge soon thereafter. Structural adjustments were subsequently made before it was reopened in 2002.
The Millennium Bridge was London’s first pedestrian only bridge constructed over the Thames in more than 100 years. Previously, the Tower Bridge was built in 1894.
During the emergency repair works, pedestrians will be able to use alternative routes including the Southwark Bridge and the Blackfriars Bridge.
The Millennium Bridge is scheduled to re-open on 5th November.
