Comprehension check

I. Decide whether the following statements are true or false according to the text:

1. Tower Bridge is a bridge in London, or London Bridge.

2. A traditional bridge could not be built in the second half of the 19^th century because it would cut off access to the port facilities.

3. The Tower Subway could only accommodate pedestrian traffic.

4. The evaluation of the designs didn’t provoke any controversy.

5. The central span of 200 feet (61m) between the towers is split into four equal bascules which can be raised to an angle of 36 degrees to allow river traffic to pass through.

6. Water was pumped into the accumulators by water turbines.

7. About 11, 000 tons of steel provided the framework for the towers and walkways.

8. The high-level walkways between the towers were never much used and were closed in 1910, having never been reopened.

II. Answer the following questions:

1. What was the reason of building Tower Bridge?

2. Why could not a traditional bridge be built between London Bridge and the Tower of London?

3. Who was in charge of finding a solution to the problem?

4. Was the construction of the Bridge an easy task?

5. What did Wolfe-Barry make for the bridge’s beauty?

6. The official opening ceremony was conducted by the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII. TO your mind, why was the opening so grand?

7. What is the purpose of the bridge’s command center?

8. How many times a year are the bascules of the bridge raised?