Tower Bridge reopened to traffic today at 12pm, after nearly three months of “essential maintenance works”.
The 122-year-old landmark was originally scheduled to reopen on December 30, having first shut on October 1.
The City of London Corporation, who manage the bridge, wrote on its website that “favourable” weather conditions and “well organised planning, management, and project execution” were to thank.
Works undertaken during the three-month closure included:
- Replacement of the decking on the bascules
- Corrosion prevention and repair operations
- Replacement of worn expansion joints
- Resurfacing of fixed roads and walkways
- Waterproofing of approach viaducts
- Overhaul/maintenance of key mechanical and lift components
- General cleaning/repairs to the towers, as well as replacement of river navigation and traffic signal lights
Chris Earlie, head of Tower Bridge, said: “I’m very pleased with how smoothly the works have gone over the last three months. I am looking forward to seeing traffic going over Tower Bridge again and I hope motorists enjoy the brand new, smooth road surface.
“I would like to invite all Londoners to come along, step inside and visit London’s most iconic bridge and see it look as good as it did, if not better, as when it was built 122 years ago.”
Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer of surface transport at Transport for London, said: “It is great news that the City of London Corporation’s major maintenance of Tower Bridge has been completed ahead of schedule.
“By working closely with the City of London, we were able to make the most of the closure to resurface the adjacent roads, upgrade the traffic signals and improve the pedestrian and cycle facilities in the area without any additional disruption.”