What is the duration required to open Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge and its History

Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London that spans the River Thames, connecting the districts of Tower Hamlets and Southwark. It is a bascule and suspension bridge that was built between 1886 and 1894 and designed by Sir Horace Jones and Sir John Wolfe Barry. The bridge is made of steel and is famous for its Gothic architecture, which blends well with the surrounding buildings. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in London, and it is believed that it receives more than 40,000 visitors every day.

The Mechanism of Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a movable bridge that can be raised and lowered to allow the passage of ships. The bridge consists of two towers that are connected by two horizontal walkways. The walkways are suspended on large cables that are supported by the towers. The bridge’s raising mechanism consists of two large counterweights that are located in the towers. When the bridge is raised, the counterweights lower, and the bridge’s two leaves, which weigh approximately 1,000 tons each, rise to an angle of up to 86 degrees.

The Reason for Opening the Bridge

The primary reason for opening Tower Bridge is to allow ships to pass through the River Thames. London is an important port, and many large vessels, including cruise ships, container ships, and oil tankers, navigate the river every day. Tower Bridge is located in a busy area of the river and is the only bridge that can accommodate the larger ships. As such, it is essential to open the bridge to prevent traffic congestion on the river.

The Notice Given for Bridge Opening

The Port of London Authority is responsible for the safe navigation of ships in the River Thames. The Authority provides a notice of at least 24 hours before the bridge is scheduled to open. The notice is published on their website and in local newspapers. Additionally, the bridge’s control room notifies the nearby vessels and the London traffic control center.

The Procedure of Bridge Opening

When the bridge is scheduled to open, the traffic is stopped, and the barriers on both sides of the bridge are lowered. The bridge’s control room is notified, and the bridge operator starts the raising mechanism. The counterweights are lowered, and the bridge leaves rise, forming a V-shape. Once the ships have passed, the bridge leaves are lowered, and the traffic resumes.

The Duration Required for Bridge Opening

The duration required to open Tower Bridge varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the ship and the tide. On average, it takes around 90 seconds to raise the bridge and another 90 seconds to lower it. However, in some cases, it may take longer, especially if the ship is particularly large or if there is a high tide.

Factors Affecting the Bridge Opening

Several factors can affect the duration of bridge opening. For instance, the size of the ship plays a significant role. Larger ships take longer to pass through the bridge, which means the bridge will remain open for a longer time. The tide also affects the duration of bridge opening. During high tide, the ships have more clearance to pass through the bridge, which means the bridge will require less time to open.

The Frequency of Bridge Opening

Tower Bridge is usually opened about 800 times per year, which is roughly twice a day. However, the frequency of bridge opening can vary depending on the season, the weather, and the number of ships passing through the river.

The Impact of Bridge Opening on Traffic

When Tower Bridge is opened, traffic is stopped on both sides of the bridge, which can cause delays and inconvenience to motorists. However, the Port of London Authority tries to minimize the impact on traffic by providing notice of the bridge opening in advance.

The Cost of Operating Tower Bridge

Operating Tower Bridge is an expensive affair, and estimates suggest that it costs around £1,000 to raise and lower the bridge each time. The cost includes the energy required to lift the counterweights, pay the bridge operators and maintenance costs.

Conclusion: A Symbol of London’s Heritage

Tower Bridge is not just a functional bridge, but it is also an iconic symbol of London’s heritage. It has stood the test of time and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The bridge has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and music videos, and it continues to attract millions of visitors every year.