Tower Bridge is STUCK open: Iconic landmark is hit by technical fault

Tower Bridge is STUCK open: Iconic London landmark is hit by a technical fault and left upright for nearly three hours causing rush-hour traffic chaos

• Bascules became wedged upright after being opened for Jubilee Trust Tall Ship
• Images taken from the scene show traffic built up on both sides of the landmark
• City of London Police said the bridge has been closed due to a ‘technical failure’
• Bridge’s arms also failed to close last year, with crossing shut for over 24 hours

Tower Bridge has been stuck open for nearly three hours after being hit by a technical fault causing traffic chaos during rush hour.

The bridge’s arms, known as bascules, became wedged upright after being opened at 2.15pm for a Jubilee Trust Tall Ship to pass beneath it.  

Images taken from the scene show traffic built up on both sides of the 127-year-old bridge, which is owned, funded and managed by the City of London Corporation.

City of London Police urged the public to avoid the area, saying the iconic landmark has been closed to traffic and pedestrians due to a ‘technical failure’.

In August last year, the bridge was closed to vehicles for over 24 hours due to a ‘mechanical fault’ which also saw the arms fail to close.

The bascules became wedged upright after being opened at 2.15pm for a Jubilee Trust Tall Ship to pass beneath it

The suspension bridge, which is also a popular tourist attraction, directly connects the Square Mile financial district to Southwark

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation, which is made up of elected members headed by the Lord Mayor, 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.’

It is not known how long the bridge will be stuck for.

In a statement posted at around 3pm, the force said: ‘Tower Bridge is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians due to technical failure.

‘Please avoid the areas. Updates to follow.’ 

It is not the first time that the iconic crossing has suffered a technical fault. 

Images taken from the scene show traffic built up on both sides of the 127-year-old bridge, which is owned, funded and managed by the City of London Corporation

City of London Police urged the public to avoid the area, saying the iconic landmark has been closed to traffic and pedestrians due to a ‘technical failure’

In 2020 the famous bridge failed to close after allowing a ship to pass along the River Thames, leaving queues of motorists and pedestrians waiting for at least an hour from both directions.

And in 2005 police closed the bridge for ten hours after a technical problem prevented the arms from being lowered. 

The suspension bridge, which is also a popular tourist attraction, directly connects the Square Mile financial district to Southwark. 

Each of its bascules weigh more than 1,100 tons each with a 400 ton counterweight to help them descend after lifting to allow river traffic to pass through. 

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said: ‘Due to a technical issue, Tower Bridge is currently stuck in a raised position’

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