Tower Bridge in London stuck open after technical failure

Oh dear. Tower Bridge has been left open due to a technical fault, causing traffic problems in central London. I do hope the traffic backups aren’t too bad tonight, London.

The bridge, one of several over the River Thames that connects central and southern parts of the capital, has been stuck for more than an hour.

Images from the scene on Monday afternoon show traffic built up on both sides of the bridge, which is owned, funded, and managed by the City of London Corporation.

A spokesperson for the corporation told the PA news agency: “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.

City of London Police urged the public to avoid the area.

The force said in a tweet: “Tower Bridge is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians due to technical failure.

“Please avoid the areas. Updates to follow.”

A traffic status update on Transport for London’s website said the 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.”

The bridge was built by the Victorians more than 100 years ago and is considered one of the world’s most famous bridges and one of London’s most recognized landmarks.

It connects the Square Mile financial district to Southwark.

Tower Bridge was previously closed to the public last August after a mechanical fault meant it was stuck open for more than an hour.

Engineers fixed it, and it reopened to motorists the next day.

In 2005, police closed the bridge for 10 hours after a technical problem meant the arms could not be lowered.