March 17th 2024.
It's hard to believe, but it's been 51 years since the London Bridge we all know and love was first opened to the public. Sadly, bridge enthusiasts, it may not be around for as long as we had hoped. Despite being constantly confused with its neighbor, Tower Bridge, this structure has played a crucial role in shaping London into the thriving city it is today. Yet, like all good things, this iconic crossing does have an expiration date, which keeps its maintenance team on their toes.
Tom Creed, the City Bridge Foundation group engineer, shared with Metro that he never allowed his daughter to sing the nursery rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down" when she was a toddler. He made sure that the haunting tune would never come true by constantly working to maintain and improve the bridge. In fact, the bridge has been rebuilt four times throughout history, dating all the way back to 43 AD when it was made of timber.
The original wooden structure was constantly being destroyed by fires and storms, leading to a final wooden bridge being built in 1163. However, this too was eventually taken down in order to expand and improve upon it. It wasn't until 1831 that a sturdier masonry stone structure was erected, lasting for 140 years before being replaced by the London Bridge we know today in 1973.
Without this iconic bridge, London wouldn't be the bustling metropolis it is today. As Tom Creed stated, "The bridge has defined London and connected the city with the rest of the country. It is difficult to imagine how the place could have evolved without it." However, the bridge has also had to adapt to the times since its completion in 1973. It now has fewer arches and is made of concrete, which has led some to classify it as an example of brutalist architecture. Yet, from an engineering standpoint, it is a feat of greatness, as it no longer clogs up the river like its predecessors did.
The bridge has also seen its fair share of events and incidents throughout the years. In 1984, the British warship HMS Jupiter collided with it, causing significant damage to both. It has also been featured in numerous films, including a memorable scene of Hugh Grant running across it in the 2002 film About A Boy. Tragically, in 2017, the bridge was the site of a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of three pedestrians. In response, security barriers were installed along the pavement.
As with all bridges in London, the London Bridge was designed and engineered to last 120 years. Sadly, this means that we are now nearly halfway through its expected lifespan. But, there is still hope. Tom Creed assures us that they are working tirelessly to protect and maintain the bridge as a cultural asset for as long as possible. They are also looking towards the future and exploring more sustainable methods of transport, such as walking and cycling, to lessen the impact on the bridge.
In the end, we can all appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the London Bridge and the important role it plays in our bustling city. As Tom Creed reminds us, "It is a lot of responsibility, and we are constantly looking into what the future holds for bridges in London." So, while we may not know exactly how much longer we have with this magnificent beauty, we can rest assured that it will be cherished and preserved for future generations to come.
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