London SE1 community website

Tower Bridge reopens to road traffic ahead of schedule

London SE1 website team

Tower Bridge reopened to road traffic on Thursday after nearly three months of work to replace the timber decking on the bridge's bascules.

Tower Bridge reopens to road traffic ahead of schedule

The bridge has been shut to motorists and buses since 1 October, with work due for completion due on 30 December.

However, the work was completed ahead of schedule and the bridge reopened at midday on Thursday 22 December.

The early reopening will not come as a surprise to those who attended the October meeting of Borough, Bankside & Walworth Community Council, when the City of London Corporation's Paul Monaghan indicated that those working on the project were keen to finish the work to allow themselves to take a Christmas break.

"The decision to close Tower Bridge to vehicles was not taken lightly, but I am immensely pleased at how well the project has gone," said Chris Hayward, chairman of the City's planning and transport committee.

"I am particularly happy to be able to open the bridge a week early as a Christmas present to all Londoners.

"I would like to thank motorists, local residents, businesses, and of course commuters for their patience while we undertook this essential work.

"Special recognition should also be given to the dedicated teams who planned, managed, and undertook these complex works.

"Tower Bridge will continue as a defining landmark for London, as well as a vital river crossing of the Thames for decades to come."

The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.