WHAT is the purpose of the huge metal arch over the Millennium bridge?

It is certainly not carrying the weight of the bridge because the supporting strands are diagonal and any pressure on the bridge will tend to move it sideways towards the arch.

Could this be the cause of the surface problems?

Put the metal arch over the bridge with the supporting strands vertical and it would solve the surface problems.

Arthur Beecroft,

New Lane, Acomb Road,

York.

Updated: 10:55 Friday, October 04, 2002