London's Millennium Bridge: Wobble, Fix, and Icon
What Makes It Special
- Design: Sleek suspension bridge with eight cables from two inclined pylons—by Norman Foster, Anthony Caro, Arup. Pedestrian-only.
- The "Wobble": Opened June 2000; synchronous pedestrian footsteps induced lateral sway. Closed after two days.
- Engineering Fix: Viscous dampers installed to absorb energy; reopened Feb 2002. Case study in biomechanics/structural dynamics.
- Location & Symbolism: Links St. Paul's (north) to Tate Modern/Globe (south); built for the millennium, symbolizing progress.
- Popularity: Heavy foot traffic; key part of London's cultural corridor.