Longing for an easier climb? Here at the northern end of the Millennium Bridge sits a hidden gem. It is the Millennium Bridge Inclined Lift. Also known as the Millennium Inclinator it offers a unique solution to a common problem.
This short inclined lift provides an alternative to the steep steps of Peter’s Hill. Peter’s Hill leads from the riverside to the Millennium Bridge entrance. The lift helps pedestrians avoid a tiring climb. It is especially useful for those who cannot easily manage the steps. People with disabilities and parents with pushchairs find it a blessing.
Opened in December 2003 the Millennium Bridge Inclined Lift fills a crucial accessibility gap. The lower end of the lift sits on Paul’s Walk next to the Thames. The top end is 26.85 metres further up Peter’s Hill. It aligns perfectly with the bridge deck.
Originally the lift used an electric traction motor made in Italy. It moved at 0.5 metres per second. Its maximum capacity was 0.7 metric tons.
However, by 2010 the City of London noted frequent breakdowns and vandalism. They deemed the service unacceptable. Thus, they decided to replace it before the 2012 Summer Paralympics.
A major renovation took place in 2012. The new lift was manufactured by Hütter Aufzüge a German company. Axis Elevators handled the installation.
The Millennium Bridge itself is a marvel. Officially named the London Millennium Footbridge it spans the River Thames. It links Bankside with the City of London. Bridge House Estates maintains it.
Construction began in 1998. The bridge initially opened in June 2000. Londoners quickly nicknamed it the “Wobbly Bridge”. Pedestrians felt an alarming sway on its opening day. It closed later that day. After two days of limited access it closed again for almost two years. Modifications and repairs were needed to stabilize it. It reopened in February 2002.
The bridge sits between Southwark Bridge and Blackfriars Railway Bridge. Its southern end is near the Globe Theatre the Bankside Gallery and Tate Modern. Its northern end is next to the City of London School below St Paul’s Cathedral.
The bridge’s design came from a 1996 competition. Arup Group Foster and Partners and Sir Anthony Caro won. They created an innovative “blade of light”. The design features supporting cables below the deck. This gives a very shallow profile. The bridge has two river piers. It consists of three main sections. These sections measure 81 m 144 m and 108 m from north to south. The total structure length is 325 m. The aluminium deck is 4 m wide.
Unexpected lateral vibration caused the initial closure. This vibration resulted from synchronous lateral excitation. Pedestrians unconsciously matched their footsteps to the sway. This worsened the effect. Engineers retrofitted 37 viscous fluid dampers to control the resonance.
Bill Fontana’s Harmonic Bridge exhibition explored cable resonances at the Tate Modern in 2006. Acoustic transducers captured the sounds and amplified them throughout the Turbine Hall.
So as you stand here consider the ingenuity. The Millennium Bridge Inclined Lift ensures everyone can access this iconic structure. It provides ease and convenience in the heart of London.