Major Traffic Disruption Hits Central London After Historic Bridge Closure

A major traffic disruption has struck central London due to the sudden closure of the iconic Tower Bridge on Wednesday morning. The bridge was closed at 7:30 AM local time after an unexpected mechanical failure affecting its lifting mechanism, preventing it from opening and closing for passing ships.

The Tower Bridge serves as a vital connection between the north and south banks of the River Thames. Maintenance teams promptly arrived to assess and repair the issue.

Impact on Commuters and Transport

Transport for London (TfL) issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid the area. Key measures include:

• Rerouting of bus services that normally cross the bridge
• Recommendation of alternative travel options such as the London Underground and riverboats
• Deployment of additional staff at nearby Tube stations to handle increased passenger volume

Drivers have reported heavy congestion on roads leading to the bridge, including Tooley Street, Tower Hill, and the roads around London Bridge. Taxi services and delivery companies have also warned of potential delays throughout the day.

Response and Ongoing Efforts

Officials expect the bridge to remain closed for several hours to ensure a safe and thorough repair. A TfL spokesperson stated, “Safety is our top priority. We are working around the clock to resolve the issue and minimize the impact on commuters.”

Local businesses near the bridge have expressed concern about disruptions affecting morning customers and deliveries but remain confident in the response efforts.

Background and Advice to Public

Since its opening in 1894, Tower Bridge has been an essential historical landmark and a key part of London’s transport infrastructure, serving both road traffic and river vessels on the Thames.

Authorities advise residents and commuters to:

1. Plan routes carefully
2. Stay updated via official TfL channels
3. Follow directions given by police at the site managing traffic flow and public safety

Repair teams continue to work on the mechanical issues with an official update on the reopening time to be provided later today.

Stay tuned for the latest updates from Questiqa Europe News.

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