London's first new bridge over the Thames River in more than a century has re-opened. When it was first inaugurated 20 months ago it gave everyone a wobbly surprise.

When too many people crossed the bridge, called the Millennium, each footstep exerted a slight sideways force. The bridge shimmied and shook.

The problem is called "synchronous lateral excitation", which means too much sideways movement at the same time.

Three days after it opened, the bridge was closed for repairs.

Ninety-one giant shock absorbers were installed underneath the 350-meter bridge for a cost of $7 million.

Now pedestrians can enjoy a steady stroll between the Tate Modern museum on the south bank to St. Paul's Cathedral to the north.

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version