Overnight work is being carried out to replace some giant components of London’s landmark Tower Bridge.
For the first time in decades, four two metre-long nose bolts have been removed and replaced as part of a series of maintenance works taking place during overnight closures.
The bolts lock in place the moving parts of the bridge, known as bascules, when it is lowered to allow traffic and pedestrians to cross the 129-year-old structure.
Overnight closures are taking place all this week from 10pm to 5.30am.
City Bridge Foundation - which is carrying out the work - announced on Wednesday Tower Bridge will now also be shut all weekend for further works.
Some road decking panels on the iconic structure are in need of repair, said the charity.
It said the work has been scheduled at short notice to “take advantage of the recent announcement by TfL that the planned closure of Blackwall Tunnel this weekend would no longer be taking place”.
Paul Monaghan, assistant director of engineering for City Bridge Foundation, said: “As well as being London’s defining landmark, Tower Bridge is a key part of the capital’s transport infrastructure.
“As a bridge with moving parts, it’s inevitable that we will see wear and tear, but carrying out planned work like this avoids the need for more disruptive and costly repairs further down the line.
“Doing these kind of jobs at night means we keep London moving and minimise disruption to motorists, pedestrians and the many tourists who come to enjoy the visitor attraction.”
Around 40,000 people and 21,000 vehicles a day cross the bridge, which lifts around 900 times a year to let boats pass underneath.
The bridge will close for maintenance from 7.30am on Saturday (October 14) to 5am on Monday (October 16).
During the closure, signed diversion routes will be in place via Southwark Bridge. In agreement with TfL, drivers using the signed diversion route will be exempt from paying the Congestion Charge.
It will remain open to pedestrians except during the overnight closures, and the Tower Bridge visitor attraction will be open as normal.
