The bridge at Westminster is one of the most photographed locations in London. Even the most traditional of landmarks however, sometimes benefit from a makeover. The recent refurbishment of Westminster Bridge is case in point.

Originally designed by Thomas Page and Charles Berry, the bridge was opened in 1862. The carriageway is some 25 metres wide, fairly exceptional today, but at the time of it's construction was very forward looking indeed. Further testimony to the designers is that this is the first major strengthening in almost 140 years.

As part of the upgrade, the decision was taken to re-light the structure, not only to enhance it's night time appearance, but also to improve river safety by making the bridge much more visible in the hours of darkness.

The Apollo Lighting design team, working closely with Westminster City Council and with engineers High Point Rendel through Cadogen Consultants, produced an innovative scheme to ensure even lighting of the spans.

After site visits by Apollo engineers, a computer simulation of the planned scheme was presented to both Consultants and the client. Following agreement in principle, detailed work commenced, particularly on the luminaire mounting system.

Specially designed 'pantograph' type brackets allow the luminaires to be accurately aimed to highlight the intricate ironwork and also hide the luminaires from direct view from the riverbanks.

Trials took place which involved Apollo personnel in some strenuous overwater gymnastics without the benefit of a safety net. The presence of a safety boat doesn't make the Thames any more inviting on a cold dark night ! We are told that the Royal Protection Squad were quite interested in all these people climbing about under the bridge so close to that other well known landmark at Westminster !

Successful completion of the trials enabled the production of the special mounting systems to go ahead, and the 196 luminaires were installed early in May 1998.

Client

• Westminster City Council

Engineers

• High Point Rendel

Consultants

• Cadogan Consultants

Main Contractors

• Murphy & Son

Luminaires

• A total of 196 compact asymmetric Wide Beam Die-cast aluminium floodlights.

Lamps

• 70W Metal Halide type CDM-TD

Energy Consumption

• The whole installation consumes around 15kw.

Installation

The luminaires are mounted on specially designed 'pantograph' brackets which allow accurate alignment so that the steelwork can be flashed without the light source being visible from the riverside. The protection plates mounted on the bridge ironwork (to defend the structure against damage from river vessels and water) enable this system to function perfectly.

Precise positioning and accurate aiming of the luminaires was vital to achieve the desired effect. The commissioning of the project involved Apollo engineers and contractor's staff in a lengthy and painstaking task throughout a long, cold, spring night.