Tower Bridge is the London bridge opened in 1894 that combines suspension spans with a bascule lifting section over the River Thames.
The bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 to provide a new river crossing near the busy Pool of London without blocking ships from reaching upstream docks. Its two Gothic-style towers contain the machinery and walkways associated with the crossing.
The central roadway section consists of two bascules, or drawbridge leaves, which could be raised to allow tall vessels to pass. The bascules were originally powered hydraulically, using pressurized water stored in accumulators; electric pumps were later installed.
Tower Bridge is often mistakenly called London Bridge, but London Bridge is a separate crossing farther upstream. Tower Bridge remains a working road bridge and a major visitor attraction, with high-level walkways and exhibitions inside the towers.