Tower Bridge Stuck Open in London, Causing Major Delays

This morning in London, Tower Bridge experienced a technical malfunction that left it stuck in the raised position for approximately one hour. The incident occurred during rush hour, causing significant delays for motorists as the bridge was unable to lower after opening for a cruise ship. The road between Tower Hill and Queen Elizabeth Street was closed, leading to extensive traffic jams along The Highway and Tower Bridge Road. Images shared on social media depicted the bascules of the bridge nearly vertical, highlighting the disruption caused to daily commuters. A spokesperson for the City Bridge Foundation, which manages the bridge, confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the technical issues. Further checks are planned during the scheduled overnight closure of the bridge later tonight. This incident is not isolated; Tower Bridge has faced similar problems in the past, including a notable occurrence last year when it became stuck for over half an hour due to a mechanical failure. The bridge, a vital connection between the Square Mile financial district and Southwark, opens around 800 times a year to accommodate river traffic. Each bascule weighs over 1,100 tons, with a counterweight of 400 tons to assist in lowering them. The repeated technical issues raise concerns about the reliability of this iconic structure, which is also a popular tourist attraction. As the investigation continues, the impact on traffic and public perception of the bridge's operational integrity remains a significant concern for both local authorities and commuters alike.