London's Tower Bridge Got Stuck Open Causing Traffic Jam

London”s Tower Bridge got stuck open due to technical failures causing heavy traffics. According to media report, it was opened around 1:15 pm to allow sailing Barge Adieu to pass through River Thames on Thursday. Barge Adieu is one of the seven Thames Barges.

“I first thought it was nice to see the bridge open but then realised something might be wrong due to the different angles. I watched it for a little while. A lot of traffic with two tourist buses waiting on the bridge and large crowds” said one eye witness to the outlet.

“There were cheers from the bridge as it eventually closed with bikes first allowed through and then traffic a moment later”, he said.

BBC Radio London Travel has put out a warning about the traffic in their X (formerly twitter) page.

Tower Bridge stuck open.

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— BBC Radio London Travel (@BBCTravelAlert) September 28, 2023

According to the eye witnesses, London”s iconic bridge got stuck for half an hour. The hydraulically driven bascules of the bridge failed to operate and thus led to the traffic block in the famous landmark of London. Some even expected the Thames seals to pop out of the river.

London bridge is the most sophisticated bascule bridge and a most popular tourist destination. Built in 1894, over River Thames, the bridge is 76 meters tall and 240 meters long. Its twin tower is 61 metre tall. Tower bridge owes the “Tower” in its name to the “Tower of London”, which is also a most sought after tourist destination.

The bridge”s striking neo-Gothic architecture is what makes it attractive. The bridge was constructed over eight years starting from 1886 to 1894.

With inputs from agencies.