London's Tower Bridge reopens after technical failure fixed

10 August 2021, 11:10

Tower Bridge has reopened after being stuck open overnight due to a technical fault.

Images from The Shard skyscraper's live camera facing east showed the two sides of the crossing rejoin at about midnight on Monday.

A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: "Tower Bridge has now reopened to road users and pedestrians.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the technical fault yesterday."

The issue caused major tailbacks in central London from about 2.30pm on Monday.

Queues built up on both sides of the bridge, with the traffic issues only resolved by about 9pm.

At the time, the City of London Corporation, which manages the bridge, 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."

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."

It comes as there were concerns that it could cause further problems for motorists on Tuesday.

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 recognised 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.