The Tower Bridge is a bascule and suspension bridge located in the center of London that crosses the River Thames. Its name is taken from the Tower of London, located nearby and has become an iconic symbol of London. The bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 and has a length of 244 m (800 feet) and the height of the towers is 65 m (213 feet). The 61 m (200 feet) long central span is split into two equal bascules than can be raised 86 degrees to allow the transit of ships. Otherwise the bridge is open to the traffic and to the pedestrians.