Repairing Tower Bridge with the world watching

摘要

Tower Bridge is an instantly recognisable symbol of London, a world famous example of Victorian engineering skill. It is a major tourist attraction but it is also a busy working bridge, crossed by 40,000 people (vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) and opened for river traffic at least a couple of times every day. So closing this iconic bridge in September 2016 for three months, to allow contractors to replace decking and resurface walkways, made for a very high-profile project. Contractor Infallible Systems, working with IKO PLC, responded to the challenge. And despite some unusual constraints - including the fact that the bridge had to be kept open to pedestrians and river traffic throughout - Tower Bridge re-opened a week ahead of schedule on 23 December.