Foster + Partners' Millenium Bridge in London Source:&nbsp ShutterstockFoster + Partners Millennium Bridge in central London is facing millions of pounds worth of refurbishment works ahead of its 25th birthday Among other works, the iconic pedestrian bridge across the River Thames requires resurfacing, as its aluminium decking has become slippery after years of footfall.The City Bridge Foundation is procuring a contractor to carry out the works to the 325m-long suspension bridge which could cost up to 3.5 million to ensure [that it] remains safe for people to use.The Millennium Bridge was completed in June 2000 but almost immediately closed for 18 months due to lateral movement caused by synchronised footfall.AdvertisementThe structures second spruce-up will involve three strands: all steel areas to be painted and all suspension cables to be re-tensioned, on top of the re-surfacing works.The City Bridge Foundation said: Owing to high footfall over the bridge, the slip-resistance of the top surface of the deck has reduced and in some places the texture has completely worn away.The project will introduce a new surface coating to each deck plank to improve this slip-resistance.The body said in a tender notice that contractors should explore alternative solutions and approaches in order to keep the crossing open as much as possible.The notice added: As a key river crossing it is important that disruption to the users of the bridge is minimised throughout the work.AdvertisementA City Bridge Foundation spokesperson said: Millennium Bridge marks its 25th birthday this year and, with thousands of people walking over it every day, that inevitably takes its toll.The aluminium bridge deck is beginning to become worn, meaning it is now smoother and more slippery than it used to be, so we need to act now to ensure the bridge remains safe for people to use.To ensure the work is as sustainable as possible, were asking potential contractors to remove, clean and replace all the existing aluminium bridge deck panels, which will be covered with a non-slip coating.The work, which we expect to begin by the spring, will also see repainting of the metallic surfaces of the bridge and tightening-up of the suspension cables which support the bridge deck.Were currently considering proposals from a number of companies and, when we have appointed a contractor, will announce further details of when the work will start, how long it will take and any temporary closure that might be required.Designed by Foster + Partners and Arup, the Millennium Bridge links St Pauls Cathedral with the Tate Modern gallery.After its disastrous start, the crossing was re-opened to the public in February 2002 with significant modifications, such as tuned mass dampers to reduce both vertical and horizontal vibrations and viscous dampers to resist sway movements.The tender opportunity has closed to bids and the contract is slated to begin in February. Source:Dafinka/ShutterstockThe Millennium Bridge2025-01-28Greg Pitchercomment and share