Tower Bridge, completed in 1894, had an original construction cost of £1,184,000!
Adjusting for inflation to 2024, this equates to approximately £160 million. In contrast, the construction of the Millennium Bridge, completed in 2000, cost £18.2 million, which is about £32 million when adjusted to 2024 values.
The construction of Tower Bridge in London commenced in 1886 and concluded in 1894, representing an extraordinary achievement in Victorian engineering. Conceived by architect Sir Horace Jones in collaboration with civil engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry, the bridge was designed to ease traffic flow while preserving river access for ships navigating to the busy Pool of London.
Tower Bridge boasts an innovative bascule (or drawbridge) system, enabling it to lift for passing vessels. Initially operated by steam-powered hydraulic engines housed within its striking Gothic Revival towers, the mechanism has since been modernised, now utilising electricity and oil for greater efficiency.
The structure incorporates over 11,000 tons of steel, encased in Cornish granite and Portland stone, lending it its iconic appearance.
Spanning 940 feet in length, the bridge features two towers rising 213 feet, linked by elevated walkways that offer panoramic views. Today, it remains a vital thoroughfare, supporting 40,000 daily crossings as part of London’s Inner Ring Road. Beyond its practical purpose, Tower Bridge is celebrated as a symbol of Victorian ambition and innovation, enchanting visitors with its distinctive Neo-Gothic design and historical significance.
This comparison highlights the substantial investment in Tower Bridge, reflecting its complex design and engineering challenges.
#londonconstruction
#towerbridge