This was the first new bridge to be built over the Thames since Tower Bridge in 1894. It is a pedestrian-only crossing of the river and was opened in June 2000. It is a suspension bridge and when it first opened it wobbled so much that some people felt unsteady and nauseous. It had to be closed immediately for repairs and it was another two years before it was finally re-opened. I thought just a handrail down the centre of the bridge would have helped but the engineers have stabilised it now so you don't get the bouncy effect of a suspension bridge.
The bridge is situated between theTate Modern art gallery on the South Bank and St Paul's Cathedral
The bridge is situated between theTate Modern art gallery on the South Bank and St Paul's Cathedral
It was featured in the film Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince when the Deatheaters destroyed the bridge.
I wouldn't feel comfortable walking across a wobbly bridge. I'm glad they fixed it. How cool it was in one of the Harry Potter movies!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing it when it first opened and it swaying with people on it clinging to the hand rail. Must have been scary for some of them.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a beautiful bridge, didn't know it took two years to re-open it again. I remember the commotion of the wobbling when it was opened very well.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge looks so substantial, it is hard to imagine how it wobbled.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a cool bridge! I'm a nerdy civil engineer so I love bridges. They are building a new cable suspension bridge over the Willamette River in Portland, where I live. It's going to be for a new light rail line.
ReplyDeleteThats a nice bridge - give it few hundred years and somebody for Texas will buy it!
ReplyDeleteAfter some soul searching, I decided that I would not get the good milker!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
This must have been completed after my trips. I can just imagine standing in the middle with St. Paul's straight ahead in front of me. The South Bank must be totally changed. No wobbling black and forth...that is great for a suspension bridge. genie
ReplyDeleteIn 2007 I was on that bridge and thought it was great. I saw most of Harry Potter's movies but I missed Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince. I shall watch that one soon. It looks exciting.
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