Tower Bridge Bascule Re-decking and Mechanism Refurbishment
London, UK · Ongoing (e.g., re-decking project, hydraulic system refurbishment) · £5m (for bascule re-decking and approach viaduct waterproofing); overall hydraulic system refurbishment likely more.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe transition from steam to electro-hydraulic power for the bascule mechanism demonstrates adaptation to technological advancements. - The need for continuous refurbishment of the hydraulic system to ensure reliable operation of the iconic bridge. - The high-profile nature of the bridge requires careful planning to minimize disruption during maintenance, especially for river traffic. - Incidents of bascules getting stuck highlight the importance of preventative maintenance and potential for costly emergency repairs.
Key engineering challenges
Maintaining the complex hydraulic system that operates the bascules. - Removing and replacing carriageway surfaces, expansion joints, and waterproofing on the bascules. - Keeping the bridge open to pedestrian and river traffic, requiring bascules to be raised multiple times a day during works. - Addressing wear and tear on the 130-year-old mechanism.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- City of London Corporation
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- refurbishment | upgrade
- Scale
- Grade I listed combined bascule and suspension bridge; 244m total length; bascules weigh 1,000 tons each.
- Disciplines
- Civil; Structural; Mechanical; Hydraulic; Electrical
- Standards & frameworks
- Grade I listed building regulations; relevant British Standards
Sources: Tower Bridge Official: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/stories/how-does-tower-bridge-work - NEC Contract: https://www.neccontract.com/projects/tower-bridge-bascule-re-decking-and-approach-viaduct-waterproofing-london-uk - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Bridge - New Civil Engineer (2021): https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/tower-bridge-could-require-costly-refurb-after-bascules-get-stuck-again-11-08-2021/ - MechSE Illinois: https://mechse.illinois.edu/news/blogs/tower-bridge-brilliant-bascule