In 1976 these were replaced by oil and electricity. The bascules are raised by huge hydraulic pumps which were first powered by steam engines. The bascules, weighing over 1,100 tons each, are counterbalanced to minimize the force required and allow raising in five minutes. The central span of 200 ft (61 m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to an angle of 83 o to allow river traffic to pass. The bridge is 800 ft (244 m) in length with two towers, each 213 ft (65 m) high, built on piers. In June 2012, the bridge was highlighted on the route of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames. ![]() Workers began to build the Tower Bridge in April 1886 and the bridge was opened on 30 June 1894. ![]() Over 50 designs were entered, and in 1884 Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry's design was chosen. The City of London Corporation held a competition for the design in 1876. The bridge's decks (bascules) can be raised to 83 o from the horizontal. The "bascules" are the surfaces raised to allow tall ships to pass through: this happens about 900 times per year. This gives one of the best vantage points in London. It has its own exhibition centre in the horizontal walkway. Many tourists go to London to see the Tower Bridge. ![]() Tower Bridge is far more visible than London Bridge, which people often mistake it for. The north side of the bridge is Tower Hill, and the south side of the bridge comes down into Bermondsey, an area in Southwark. It allows ships through the bridge deck when is raised at an angle in the centre. It crosses the River Thames near the Tower of London.
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