London’s most famous footbridge is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Developed with sculptor Anthony Caro and engineers Arup, the Millennium Bridge has created new routes into Southwark and encouraged new life on the embankment alongside St Paul's. The bridge opened in June 2000 – and an astonishing 100,000 people crossed it during the first weekend.
Structurally, the bridge pushes the boundaries of technology. Spanning 320 metres, it is a very shallow suspension bridge. Two Y-shaped armatures support eight cables that run along the sides of the 4-metre-wide deck, while steel transverse arms clamp on to the cables at 8-metre intervals to support the deck itself. A slender ribbon of steel by day, it is illuminated to form a glowing blade of light at night.
Lord Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners, said: ““At the time of the competition for this bridge, my first sketch was for “a blade of light” – the most minimal intervention on the axis of St Paul’s. Its realisation as a collaboration between architecture, art and engineering has since transformed this quarter of London and opened up a fresh perspective on the River Thames. It demonstrates the power of connectivity to deliver social and economic benefits. We are grateful for this opportunity to extend the pedestrian network of London.”
Roger Ridsdill Smith, Senior Partner and Head of Structural Engineering, Foster + Partners, added: “I am very proud to have worked on the Millennium Bridge. Our design solution provided the most minimal means to span the Thames. The bridge hovers above the busy navigation channel while remaining low enough to preserve the protected views of St Paul’s Cathedral, thereby providing panoramic views of the city skyline from the deck, unimpeded by structure. It is a pleasure to see Londoners and visitors to the city crossing it, enjoying the view, and experiencing the wonderful destination that this part of London has become.”
