The iconic Millennium Bridge in London will undergo a major £3.5 million refurbishment starting this spring, aimed at preserving its structural integrity and ensuring safety for its millions of daily users. The City Bridge Foundation, responsible for overseeing the bridge, has published a tender seeking a contractor to complete a series of essential improvements. These include resurfacing the aluminium deck, repainting the steel structure, and re-tensioning the suspension cables to restore the bridge’s profile.
Originally opened in June 2000 to mark the new millennium, the bridge quickly became famous for its excessive swaying, earning it the nickname “wobbly bridge.” It was shut down shortly after its opening to address the instability, and it didn’t reopen until February 2002 after stabilization work was carried out. Now, almost 25 years later, the bridge is showing signs of wear, particularly on its deck, which has become increasingly slippery due to constant pedestrian traffic. The planned refurbishment will replace the existing aluminium panels with new ones, applying a non-slip coating to prevent accidents and maintain safe passage for the thousands of people who cross the bridge every day.
Along with resurfacing the deck, the bridge’s steelwork will be repainted to protect it from further wear, and the suspension cables will be re-tensioned. This process, which has not been done before, aims to address the relaxation of the cables and restore the profile of the central span. This will not only enhance the bridge’s stability but also extend its lifespan for years to come.
The project also emphasizes minimizing disruption to users, with contractors tasked to ensure the bridge remains open as much as possible during the work. However, it’s yet to be determined whether any temporary closures will be necessary during the refurbishment. The contract is valued between £2.75 million and £3.5 million, and the City Bridge Foundation is expected to announce further details once a contractor is appointed.
The Millennium Bridge, linking St Paul’s Cathedral on the north side of the River Thames with the Tate Modern Gallery on the south side, plays a vital role in London’s transport infrastructure and cultural landscape. The planned refurbishment is a crucial step in ensuring that the bridge continues to serve the public safely while maintaining its iconic status as a modern engineering marvel.
