High level walkways were built
to allow people to cross the Thames whilst the Bridge was
lifted to let tall ships come through. Today these walkways
act as viewing galleries, giving visitors the most spectacular
views across an ever-changing London
skyline.
In building the bridge about 235,000 cubic feet of Cornish
granite and Portland stone, 20,000 tons of cement, 70,000
cubic yards of concrete, 31,000,000 bricks and 14,000 tons
of iron and steel were used.
The bridge is a combination of the suspension and bascule
type. The width of the river between the abutments of the
bridge on the north and south sides is 880 feet. This is crossed
by three spans. The two side spans, each 270 feet long, are
of the suspension type. They are carried on heavy wires that
pass at their landward ends over abutment towers of moderate
height to the anchorages in the shore. At their river ends
the chains pass over lofty towers which are themselves connected
at an elevation of 143 feet above high water. Heavy tie bars,
at the level of the connecting girders, unite the two pairs
of chains so that one acts as anchorage for the other at the
centre.
At Tower Bridge Exhibition, you can enjoy these breathtaking
views, learn about the history of the bridge and how it was
built from the interactive displays and videos. You can then
visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, home to the original steam
engines that used to power the Bridge.
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