Tower Bridge’s arms, known as bastules, are stuck open due to a technical failure – leaving cars, lorries, buses and cyclists stuck unable to pass over the major London landmark
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Tower Bridge left open after technical fault
London landmark Tower Bridge is stuck open after parting to allow a ship to pass underneath it on the River Thames, forcing traffic into gridlock chaos.
The span’s arms have stuck in an upright position for more than an hour after a ‘technical failure’ on Monday afternoon.
Traffic passing through the central city drew to a halt as cars, buses and bikes were left unable to pass over the bridge.
The bridge’s arms, known as bastules, lift to allow vessels to pass beneath it.
Motorists were pictured stuck on the bridge as the major thoroughfare was rendered impassable.
The bridge got stuck after opening to allow a tall ship to pass through, according to My London.
Tower Bridge has been pictured stuck open on Monday, drawing traffic to a standstill
(
Image:
@LizTunbridge/Twitter)
City of London Police warned the bridge is closed to traffic and pedestrians due to a ‘technical failure.’
The dilemma comes just weeks shy of a year since the bridge’s bastules last got stuck.
The bridge also failed to close last August after a tall ship passed beneath it.
People take in the spectacle from the River Thames banks on the south side of the bridge
(
Image:
@JoshClarke1987/Twitter)
While the latest glitch caused chaos for drivers, some passersby stopped to take in the impressive spectacle.
People could be pictured gathering outside City Hall on the south side of the bridge to watch the scenes.
A nurse on her way to work posted a video of stuck road-users, writing: “Tower Bridge is currently experiencing a technical fault and the bridge is stuck open.
“Slight pause to my walk #NursesActive but it was cool to see the bridge open for the first time in my life!”
On average, Tower Bridge opens its bascules around 800 times a year – just over twice a day.
The fault has left traffic queuing from A200 Tooley Street to A1203 East Smithfield (Tower Hill), according to updates.
Drivers are also being warned of congestion in routes through the City Of London as well as on the approach to the bridge.
A traffic status update on Transport for London’s website said movement for motorists is slow on both sides leading up to the bridge.
It added: “East Smithfield has minor delays westbound. Tower Hill is also slow eastbound with delays back towards Upper Thames Street Tunnel. There are also delays southbound on Mansell Street. Northbound Tower Bridge Road is queueing back towards Bricklayers Arms Roundabout. Use other routes.”
No update has been provided by authorities yet on when the bridge will be able to reopen to traffic.
The iconic Grade I-listed 19th-century landmark is owned and maintained by the charitable Bridge House Estates.
The City of London Corporation, which manages the Victorian bridge, says authorities are working to solve the issue.
A spokesperson said: “Due to a technical issue, Tower Bridge is currently stuck in a raised position. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-tower-bridge-stuck-open-24721600
