Exciting news! The Millennium Bridge will undergo a £3.5 million upgrade soon, enhancing safety and usability for all visitors.
London: The Millennium Bridge is getting a makeover! They’re planning a £3.5 million refurbishment, and work should kick off in the next few months.
We don’t know yet if there will be any temporary closures, but more info will come once they pick a contractor. The City Bridge Foundation is on the lookout for someone to handle the resurfacing, repainting, and re-tensioning of the suspension cables.
They’re aiming to start around February 10, with the project lasting about six months. A spokesperson mentioned that they expect to begin by spring, as they’re still reviewing proposals from various companies.
The bridge, which opened in June 2000, connects St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern Gallery. It was closed shortly after due to some serious swaying, earning it the nickname “wobbly bridge.” After some stabilization work, it reopened in February 2002.
The recent tender outlines three main tasks: improving the slip resistance of the deck, repainting the steel, and re-tensioning the cables. This last part is particularly interesting since it hasn’t been done before and will help restore the bridge’s original shape.
They’re also keen on minimizing disruption for users while the work is happening. Contractors are encouraged to come up with creative solutions to keep the bridge open as much as possible during the project.
The contract value is estimated between £2.75 million and £3.5 million. A spokesperson from the City Bridge Foundation said that with the bridge celebrating its 25th birthday this year, it’s seen a lot of foot traffic, which has taken its toll.
The aluminum deck is getting worn down, making it slicker than it used to be. So, they’re acting now to keep it safe for everyone. They want contractors to remove, clean, and replace the existing panels with a non-slip coating.
In addition to that, they’ll repaint the metallic parts and tighten the suspension cables. Once they choose a contractor, they’ll share more details about the start date, duration, and any potential closures.
The City Bridge Foundation, a charity over 900 years old, manages five Thames crossings, including the Millennium Bridge. The City of London Corporation is its sole trustee, with elected members on the board.
