London’s Tower Bridge is closed due to a technical fault. Drivers are warned to stay clear of the area.
The Bridge, which is 127 years old, is currently closed to traffic in both directions.
The latest fault is that the bridge was closed for several hour in August because the bridge’s arms, also known as bascules became stuck up after being opened.
It is still not clear what the latest technical fault was. Police claim that the bridge is only partially open, which is a difference from last time when it was open wide.
MailOnline was told by a police spokesperson that the road is closed because cars could drive over it.
The bridge, which dates back to 127 years, is currently closed to traffic in both directions.
City of London Police sent this tweet this evening: “Tower Bridge is currently shut down to traffic and pedestrians due technical failure.” Please avoid this area. We will keep you posted on any updates.
After its bascules were opened to allow a Jubilee Trust Tall Ship under it, the bridge became stuck in August.
Workers worked tirelessly through the night to close the bridge before the morning rush hour.
2020 was the year that the bridge failed to close after allowing the passage of a ship along the River Thames. There were queues of pedestrians as well as motorists waiting for the bridge to close.
In 2005, the bridge was closed by police for ten hours due to technical problems that prevented the arms being lowered.
After its bascules were opened to allow a Jubilee Trust Tall Ship pass underneath it, the bridge became stuck in August.
Workers worked hard in the early hours to close the bridge before the morning rush hour.
The popular tourist attraction of the bascule and suspension bridge connects Southwark to the Square Mile financial district.
Each of its bascules is more than 1,100 ton and each has a 400 ton counterweight to assist them in descending after lifting to allow river traffic to move through.
Construction of the bridge began in 1886. It was built to a design of Sir Horace Jones, City of London architect.
The bridge was built by more than 430 construction workers per day.
It was opened by Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark, then Prince and Princess of Wales, and future Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith, who was then Home Secretary.