Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges, London

A Historic Crossing of the Thames

Hungerford Bridge, officially known as Charing Cross Bridge, is a steel truss railway bridge crossing the River Thames in London. It connects the north bank at Charing Cross station to the south bank near Waterloo station, lying between Waterloo Bridge and Westminster Bridge. The original structure was a suspension footbridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1845, commissioned to link the South Bank with the nearby Hungerford Market on the north side. This footbridge was replaced in 1864 by a wrought iron railway bridge designed by Sir John Hawkshaw to accommodate the expanding South Eastern Railway line to Charing Cross station.

The Golden Jubilee Footbridges: Modern Elegance

Flanking the railway bridge are the Golden Jubilee Bridges—two cable-stayed pedestrian bridges completed in 2002 to replace the narrow and aging walkways of the original railway bridge. Designed by architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands with engineers WSP Group, these bridges were built to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Their sleek design features inclined pylons and steel deck stays, creating a light and airy structure that gracefully spans the Thames. The bridges are approximately 4 meters wide each and offer step and lift access, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Architectural and Engineering Highlights

The Golden Jubilee Bridges are notable for their innovative engineering and aesthetic appeal. The cable-stayed design allows the footbridges to be suspended alongside the existing railway bridge while sharing its foundation piers. The construction faced challenges including avoiding damage to London Underground tunnels beneath the river and the careful placement of heavy concrete beams. The bridges have received multiple awards for their design and lighting, including commendations from the Royal Fine Art Commission and the Institution of Structural Engineers.

Unparalleled Views and Urban Connectivity

Walking across the Golden Jubilee Bridges offers some of the best vantage points in London. From the west footbridge, visitors enjoy stunning views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The east footbridge provides sweeping panoramas of the City of London skyline, including St Paul's Cathedral and the Shard. The bridges connect vibrant cultural hubs: the South Bank’s Royal Festival Hall and County Hall with the bustling Charing Cross area on the north bank, making them vital pedestrian arteries.

Significance and Usage

The bridges are among the busiest pedestrian crossings over the Thames, with an estimated 8.5 million people using them annually. They replaced older, narrow walkways that had become unsafe and dilapidated. The new footbridges not only enhance safety and capacity but also protect the underlying railway bridge’s fragile wrought iron pillars by cladding them in concrete. They serve as a symbolic and practical link between historic and modern London, blending engineering heritage with contemporary urban design.

Experience and Atmosphere

The atmosphere on the bridges is lively and dynamic, especially during peak hours, yet the open design and river views provide a tranquil respite from the city bustle. By day, the bridges are bathed in natural light, and at night, subtle monochromatic lighting enhances their sculptural form, creating a serene and scenic environment. The bridges are fully accessible with lifts and smooth walking surfaces, welcoming a diverse range of visitors including families, commuters, and tourists alike.