The Millennium Bridge (known affectionately to Londoners as the Wobbly Bridge) is to close next month for what has been described as a 'wobble check'.
The Bridge will close next month to allow engineers to check that its famous 'wobble' is not about to return. The work will be carried out by engineering firm Arup from 15 - 17 March between 10:00 and 16:00.
The Corporation of London says the bridge will stay open at night to avoid interrupting couples wanting to take an evening stroll on one of the capital's 'lovers lanes'. It will also remain open during the morning and evening rush hours.
[Don't know what the 'wobbly bridge' is? The Millennium Bridge, part of London's millennium celebrations and the first pedestrian bridge over the Thames in more than a century.
The bridge connects St Paul's Cathedral on the North bank of the Thames to the Tate Modern on the South Bank. It is a modern masterpiece - a 325 metre, £18.2 million bridge designed by Sir Norman Foster no less.
The bridge didn't get off to the greatest start, when it opened a little late - on 10th June 2001. Even so, it was an instant success with Londoners and tourists, attracting huge crowds.
Unfortunately, things got worse. The bridge immediately developed a 'wobble'. It was unsteady and dangerous for pedestrians, one witness reported that it was like 'standing up in a rowboat on a lake' - and was closed on 12th June 2001!
Eight and a half months and a reported £5 million in 'repairs' later (the bill was picked up by Arup, who are carrying out the wobble check), the bridge reopened, thanks to 91 dapeners purchased from NASA no less.
But did this put Londoners off the bridge? Not a bit of it! It appeals to what some refer to as the 'kooky' British spirit and we just love our 'wobbly bridge'. No-one in London refers to it as the Millennium Bridge, it will forever be London's Wobbly Bridge, and something we love.]
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