The London Eye is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, and it has become a significant tourist attraction since its opening in 2000. Many people have been curious about how long it took to build this giant Ferris wheel. In this article, we will take a closer look at the construction process and find out how long it took to build the London Eye.
The Idea Behind the London Eye
The idea of building the London Eye was first introduced by two architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield, in 1993. They wanted to create an attraction that would give visitors a panoramic view of the city from above. The project was initially named the Millennium Wheel because it was supposed to be completed by the year 2000.
The Construction Process
The construction of the London Eye began in 1998 and took approximately three years to complete. The first stage involved digging deep trenches into the banks of River Thames so that they could pour concrete foundations. This was necessary because the London Eye had to be constructed on unstable ground.
Once the foundations were set, it was time to start assembling the wheel itself. The main structure of the wheel is made up of two giant A-frames that are connected by cables. The capsules were also constructed separately and attached later.
The Capsules
Each capsule on the London Eye can hold up to 25 people at once and weighs approximately 10 tonnes. They were built off-site and transported along River Thames before being hoisted into place using a crane.
The Spokes and Hub
In addition to the capsules, there are also spokes that support them while they rotate around the wheel’s hub. There are a total of 64 spokes on the London Eye, each weighing over 300 tonnes.
Time Taken to Build
It took three years for the London Eye to be built, from the start of construction in 1998 to its completion in 2000. The project was completed on time and within budget, with a total cost of £70 million.
Conclusion
The London Eye is undoubtedly one of the most impressive engineering feats of recent times. It took three years to build, but the result is a spectacular attraction that has become an icon of London’s skyline. If you’re planning a trip to London, make sure you take a ride on the London Eye and enjoy the breathtaking views of this beautiful city.