History and Construction of the Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge, which spans the River Thames in London, is a striking example of modern engineering. Opened to the public in 2000, it was the first new bridge to be built across the river in over 100 years. Due to its design flaws, the bridge was closed just two days after its opening and did not reopen until 2002. The bridge was designed by architects Sir Norman Foster and Sir Anthony Caro with help from the Arup Group. Its innovative look was described as resembling “blades of light”.
The Millennium Bridge is a suspension bridge, which means that it is held up by cables suspended from towers. These cables are also known as ‘hanging chains’. The main deck of the bridge is made of steel, and it is supported by two sets of hangers – one at each end of the bridge. The hangers are attached to the towers by means of bearings. This design allows the bridge to move slightly in the wind, which prevents it from collapsing.
The Millennium Bridge was designed to be ‘light and elegant’, and it is certainly that. It is also very popular with tourists and locals alike. On a typical day, over 20 thousand people cross the bridge – not bad for a structure that was only open for two days!
London Millennium Bridge Design
The footbridge is composed of two walkways that are supported by a steel structure. The bridge has a weight limit of 5 thousand people and a maximum wind speed of 60 mph. The bridge also has a damper system to prevent lateral movement. It is constructed from two main types of material: pre-stressed concrete for the decking and steel for the cables and supports. The design of the bridge means that it is able to withstand high winds without shaking or wobbling.
This was put to the test in January 2002 when strong winds caused several pedestrians to be blown off the bridge. Despite this incident, the Millennium Bridge remains a popular tourist attraction, with Tate Modern, one of London’s most famous art galleries, located nearby.
Tourist Attractions Near Millennium Bridge
If you find yourself in London and are looking for something to do, why not check out some of the city’s most popular swaying tourist attractions, located within walking distance of the Millennium Bridge?
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – one of the most iconic landmarks in London, St. Paul’s Cathedral has been a place of worship for over 1,400 years. Situated on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, the cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Visitors can explore the magnificent interior of the cathedral, climb up to the top of the dome for stunning views of the city, or attend one of the regular services held throughout the week.
- The Tate Modern – is a must-see for any art lover visiting London. Housed in a former power station on the south bank of the River Thames, the Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th century,
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – a visit to London would not be complete without seeing a play at the world-famous Globe Theatre. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a replica of the original theatre built in 1599 where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. The theatre hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, from Shakespearean classics to contemporary plays, so there is sure to be something to suit all tastes.
- Soho is a popular nightlife destination for both tourists and locals alike. The area is home to countless bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night out on the town. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back bar to grab a drink or a dance club to party the night away, Soho has something for everyone.
- Or, if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, take a stroll along the South Bank to see some of London’s lesser-known but equally impressive landmarks. Whichever route you choose, be sure to cross the Millennium Bridge at least once to get a great view of the cityscape!
Millennium Bridge and Its Appearances in Media
The suspension bridge has become an iconic symbol of London and has been featured in many films, TV shows, and music videos.
The Millennium Bridge has appeared in a number of popular films, including:
- In the film version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the bridge collapses after Death Eaters attack (although the book is set in 1996);
- During the climactic battle on Xandar in Marvel’s 2014 Cinematic Universe film Guardians of the Galaxy;
- The anime adaptation of The Ancient Magus’ Bride;
- The BBC One television movie The 7:39;
- In the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later;
- The Netflix science-fiction series Sense8.
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