This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/aug/22/traffic-chaos-in-london-after-tower-bridge-gets-stuck-open

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Traffic chaos in London after Tower Bridge gets stuck open Traffic chaos in London after Tower Bridge gets stuck open
(about 1 hour later)
Historic bridge’s arms stuck at different angles on Saturday following mechanical faultHistoric bridge’s arms stuck at different angles on Saturday following mechanical fault
Tower Bridge was stuck open for over an hour because of a mechanical fault, causing central London traffic to be gridlocked.Tower Bridge was stuck open for over an hour because of a mechanical fault, causing central London traffic to be gridlocked.
The historic bridge’s two arms were stuck at different angles after opening to allow ships to pass underneath on the River Thames on Saturday evening, with witnesses saying they failed to come down at the same time.The historic bridge’s two arms were stuck at different angles after opening to allow ships to pass underneath on the River Thames on Saturday evening, with witnesses saying they failed to come down at the same time.
One Twitter user said: “So have been stood under a raised tower bridge for 15 mins now, hearing rumours it’s stuck.” One Twitter user said: “So have been stood under a raised Tower Bridge for 15 mins now, hearing rumours it’s stuck.”
Another Twitter user posted a video of the incident, describing the electro-hydraulic system’s failure of the combined bascule and suspension bridge as a once in a lifetime moment. Another Twitter user posted a video of the incident, describing the electro-hydraulic system’s failure at the combined bascule and suspension bridge as a once in a lifetime moment.
Shortly after 5pm, City of London police tweeted to say the bridge was closed to pedestrians and traffic due a mechanical fault. “Mechanics are currently working hard to fix the bridge. Please find alternative routes,” they said. Shortly after 5pm, City of London police tweeted to say the bridge was closed to pedestrians and traffic. “Mechanics are currently working hard to fix the bridge. Please find alternative routes,” the force said.
They tweeted just over an hour later saying the bridge had reopened in both directions. Police tweeted just over an hour later to say the bridge had reopened in both directions.