SMART THINKING SAVED MILLENNIUM BRIDGE

Commissioned by: Millennium Bridge

Location: London, UK

THE CHALLENGE

Shortly after its opening in 2000, the Millennium Footbridge was forced to close. 

Significant load from footfall caused the bridge to sway, making it unsafe to use. 

Alwayse were contacted to provide an innovative movement solution that would act as a ‘shock absorber’ to the sideways oscillations.

THE SMART SOLUTION

Alwayse partnered with structural steel specialists Arup and Cleveland Bridge to retrofit Custom Ball Transfer Units to stabilise the bridge. 

The solution was rigorously tested, including dealing with a load capacity of up to 1330 kg and how corrosion resistance holds up to salt spray.

Working in unison with viscous dampers, the Custom Ball Transfer Units absorbed the oscillations and the bridge was able to reopen. 

Safety is one of the highest priorities when it comes to an Alwayse Ball Transfer Unit.

AT A GLANCE

• Custom Stainless Steel Ball Transfer Units, corrosion-resistant.
• Prevention of uncontrolled sideways movement.
• Load capacity up to 1330kg.
• Bespoke solution, robustly tested within in-house R&D lab.

UNITS USED:

Alwayse Ball Transfer Unit Hevi-Load Unit 3