The iconic bridge across the River Thames was stuck open Saturday after opening to allow a ship to pass. The drawbridge was back in the correct position Sunday, but only bicycles and pedestrians are allowed to cross, the City of London Police said on Twitter.
The bridge, which is more than 120 years old, uses hydraulic power to lift open around 800 times a year to provide clearance for large ships. It is often mistaken by tourists for London Bridge, which is much plainer and located near the iconic Shard skyscraper.
Tower Bridge was scheduled to open four times on Saturday for a river cruise ship known as the Sailing Barge Will.
Tony Cao and Jenny Nguyen from Vietnam posing for wedding photos on the Tower Bridge, which was closed off to trafficon Sunday due to a mechanical fault. — Reuters
The ship was built in 1925 and hauled cargo such as coal, cement, and rice around the UK’s waterways, according to National Historic Ships UK.
During World War II, it was attacked multiple times while carrying supplies, including an incident in March 1943, when a German plane shot 1,000 holes in its sail. Years later, its interior was fitted with mahogany panels to form a dining room.
The ship, which has 30 metre masts, can be rented out for £2,950 (RM16,139) for parties of up to 50 people.
A spokesman for the City of London Corporation didn’t reply to a request for comment.
