London's Big Ben to ring in its 160th birthday year

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London's Big Ben will chime at midnight on New Year's Eve despite it currently going through a complex conservation program, British Parliament confirmed Friday.

The coming new year will mark the 160th anniversary of London's most iconic clock.

At midnight, Big Ben will ring 12 times, replicating the usual strike rate of 4.5 seconds. To make this possible, a bespoke electric mechanism has been built to power the 200kg striking hammer.

Scaffolding surrounds the clock face on the Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben, of the Houses of Parliament in the Westminster district of London, Britain, December 11, 2018. /VCG Photo

The Elizabeth Tower, the formal name for the clock tower, is currently undergoing a complex conservation program to safeguard the 159-year-old iconic clock for generations to come.

As one of London's most photographed attractions, the clock tower is now clad in scaffolding, with its clock hands and the 159-year-old clock mechanism completely disconnected and dismantled for the first time.

People gather in Parliament Square to listen to the final chimes of Big Ben ahead of a four-year renovation plan in London, Britain, August 21, 2017. /VCG Photo

It is part of a specialist task to restore the historic building to its former glory. Experts from around Britain are involved in the huge task of restoring the landmark, combining ancient craftsmanship with cutting-edge modern techniques.

"This is the most significant restoration of the Elizabeth Tower in its entire history, with many challenges and complexities emerging since the project began," said principal architect Adam Watrobski.

Fireworks explode behind the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, during New Year's Eve celebrations in London, Britain, January 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

According to Watrobski, the first newly painted clock dial will be revealed next year.

Measuring 2.7m across and 2.2m high, the 13.7-tonne bell could produce musical note E when struck and will be test rung on a number of occasions ahead of the New Year celebration.

(Cover: File photo shows fireworks light up the London skyline and Big Ben just after midnight on January 1, 2011 in London, Britain. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency