Is Tower Bridge a Suspension Bridge? It’s a Bascule‑Suspension Hybrid

Tower Bridge is not a pure suspension bridge. It is a combined bascule and suspension bridge:

• Two 213‑foot (65 m) towers support suspension cables that hold the central span.
• The bascules (movable leaves) can be raised to allow tall ships to pass—this is the bascule function.
• The side spans operate as conventional suspension spans.

This innovative 1894 design by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry solved the need for both river clearance and structural efficiency.