The Tower Bridge has been stuck open due to a malfunction causing major traffic issues in London.
The famous landmark was scheduled to open this afternoon so a large wooden tall ship could pass through, but it appears to have become stuck.
The 127-year-old crossing was closed to both pedestrians and traffic “due to technical failure,” said London City Police.
Approach roads to the bridge have been closed and drivers have been warned to avoid the area until bridge repairs are completed.
Transport for London reports that traffic is currently moving slowly on both sides of the river, and warns commuters to expect delays.
The London Tower Bridge, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry took 8 years to build and opened in 1894, it is one of the most intricate yet beautiful pieces of architecture in Europe.
The bridge usually opens about 800 times per year for boats travelling along the Thames River.
Investigations into the failure were taking place but the source of the fault was currently unknown, said a spokesperson for the City of London Corporation.
