Waterloo Bridge

The Waterloo Bridge is a refined modern structured bridge which is designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott using self cleaning stone which was constructed in the early 1940’s using predominately female labour. This was during the war years when the men who were building the bridge ended up going away to fight the battle, therefore female labours were drafted in to completing the construction of the bridge. “Waterloo Bridge had a longer life than most Thames bridges but in 1923 a settlement in the pier on the Lambeth side of the central arch and subsidence’s in the parapet and carriageway gave warning that the structure was in a dangerous condition. Remedial measures were taken but proved unsuccessful, and the bridge was closed to traffic on 11th May, 1924.” (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=47032)

When the bridge was closed off, there were discussions on what alternatives to take forward in action. The first idea was that the old bridge should be strengthened, repairs on the structure and a modern bridge to be constructed at Charing Cross. Second idea was that the bridge should be rebuilt to its old design but made wider to take a greater volume of traffic and pedestrians. The third idea was that a modern bridge should be built in place of the old existing one. Finally, in 1934, the London Council agreed to go ahead with the third idea to build a modern bridge. The plan did not go ahead until 2 years later when the parliament agreed to the Council to borrow money for the bridge. The bridge opened in 1942; however, it wasn’t fully open until late December, 1945. The construction of the bridge cost the Council approximately one million sterling pounds.

The new Waterloo Bridge is simple in its outline and without any adornments. The bridge itself is constructed of reinforced concrete with facings of Portland stone and grey Cornish granite, which the granite was re-cut from the masonry of the old bridge. The bridge has five shallow