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Development of Tower Bridge
East End of London reached so high commercial development in the second half of 19th that it demanded one more river crossing. In the 1876, a “Special Bridge or Subway Committee” was formed to find a solution. Some 50 designs were submitted, but because of much controversy, it took eight years for one design to be approved.Construction began in 1886 and lasted until 1894. Five companies and 432 workers worked on it. -
Tower Bridge
As well as being one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, it is one of the most visited attractions in London and continues to be a working bridge to this day. -
Walkways were closed in 1910
The Glass Floor measures 11 metres long and 1.8 metres wide and comprise of panels weighing 530 kilograms each – it is no wonder the installation took a 20-strong team to construct it! Don’t fret if you’d rather not look down... The Walkways also offer stunning panoramic views of London while each of the 40 bridges featured in our 'Great Bridges of the World' refreshed display showcase a breathtaking feat of engineering. -
Glass Walkway
Housed in the West Walkway, visitors can admire Tower Bridge from a unique perspective and look down on passing boats and pedestrians underfoot and even catch the bascules rising if you time it right. From 42m above the river, the glass walkway is a must-see - if you need any more convincing, the Tower Bridge glass floor is made up of five thick layers and can hold the equivalent weight of an elephant and two taxis -
Walkways reopened in 1982
Walkways were reopened in 1982 as a part of a Tower Bridge Exhibition. The Exhibition shows photos, displays and films to tell a history of Tower Bridge and is housed in bridge’s towers, walkways of the bridge and in Victorian engine rooms. -
Instalation of computer control systems
Tower Bridge is still in function and is still a major crossing of the Thames. Daily, some 40,000 people cross it in both directions. While it was controlled manually from the beginning, in 2000, a computer controls system was installed so bascules could be raised and lowered remotely. Bascules are raised around 3 times a day and a 24 hours' notice is needed from a ship that needs pass. -
last renovation
In 2008, Bridge Tower entered renovations that lasted four years. Metal parts were stripped of original paint and are repainted in white and blue. New lights, that are both functional and atmospheric, were installed in walkways and suspension chains were repainted with six layers of protective paint. Next renovations are planned in 25 years.
