Traffic gridlock as Tower Bridge’s arms open up but refuse to close for two hours
TRAFFIC in part of London came to a standstill yesterday after Tower Bridge became “stuck” while open due to a mechanical fault.
The bridge opened at around 4pm to allow a ship travelling on the Thames to pass through. But witnesses said the bridge’s arms, known as bascules, failed to align correctly when they started to descend, leaving traffic gridlocked in both directions.
City of London Police wrote on Twitter: “Tower Bridge is currently closed to pedestrians and traffic, due a mechanical fault. Mechanics are currently working hard to fix the bridge. Please find alternative routes.” People quickly took to social media to voice their dismay. One observed: “Tower Bridge opened almost an hour ago and it hasn’t closed back yet. It looks stuck and the two parts aren’t symmetrical.” The bridge arms were eventually lowered nearly two hours later, reports said, although traffic and pedestrians were still not allowed to cross.
It is not the first time the bridge has become stuck. In 2005, police were forced to close it for 10 hours after a technical problem prevented the arms from being lowered.
Each of the bascules weighs more than 12 tons. They each have a 400-ton counterweight to help them descend.
A witness told the Evening Standard that they had overheard security saying there were “multiple failures”.
The bridge is split into two territories – one half run by Southwark Council and the other by the City of London Corporation.