Why is the Tower Bridge so special?

Why is the Tower Bridge so special?

Why is the Tower Bridge special? Tower Bridge is the only bridge over the Thames that can be raised as it is a combined bascule (drawbridge) and suspension bridge. This means that the middle section of the bridge can be raised to allow river traffic to pass through.

Why the Tower Bridge is more than just a bridge?

Tower Bridge is more than just a bridge because it is also a bascule, which means that when it’s time for ships to pass under it, all land traffic is halted because the bridge opens up to allow for the ships to pass.

What is Tower Bridge made out of?

A staggering 31,000,000 bricks and 2,000,000 rivets make up the entire structure. 432 men and women built the bridge between 1886 and 1894. 11,000 tons of steel make up the entire structure, the majority of which is hidden beneath Cornish granite and Portland stone.

How does Tower Bridge raise?

At Tower Bridge, power was generated by three large boilers, continuously fuelled by stokers working in shifts, 24 hours a day, to ensure there was enough energy available to lift the bridge whenever required. The steam created in these boilers was used to power the large steam pumping engines in the next room.

What city is the Tower Bridge in?

London Borough of Southwark
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Tower Bridge/Location

Why is Tower Bridge the only bridge that opens?

River traffic has always had priority on this stretch of the Thames, and it was a condition of its design that Tower Bridge did not obstruct traffic on this stretch the Thames. This also meant that vessels could not be charged, and so lifts are funded by the Bridge House Estates.

How does London Tower Bridge work?

How does Tower Bridge open now? When Tower Bridge was first built, London was an extremely busy trading port. However, as trading ships became larger, fewer and fewer vessels made the journey to the Upper Pool of London, which goes from London Bridge to the Cherry Garden Pier, in Bermondsey.

Who designed the Tower bridge?

Horace Jones
George D. Stevenson
Tower Bridge/Architects

Is the Tower Bridge part of the London Bridge?

The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London. Because of this, Tower Bridge is sometimes confused with London Bridge, situated some 0.5 mi (0.80 km) upstream. Tower Bridge is one of five London bridges now owned and maintained by the Bridge House Estates,…

How does the Tower Bridge get its power?

The London Hydraulic Power Company powered much of London, including cranes, lifts, workshops, and even theatre machinery. At Tower Bridge, power was generated by three large boilers, continuously fuelled by stokers working in shifts, 24 hours a day, to ensure there was enough energy available to lift the bridge whenever required.

How many people cross the Tower Bridge a day?

Tower Bridge is still a busy crossing of the Thames: it is crossed by over 40,000 people (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians) every day. The bridge is on the London Inner Ring Road, and is on the eastern boundary of the London congestion charge zone.

Do you have to pay to walk on Tower Bridge?

Yes, you can walk on Tower Bridge free of charge. However, you do need to pay to access the upper walkways. How did Tower Bridge Get its Name? Tower Bridge was named as it’s located next to the Tower of London.