Overnight work is being carried out to replace some giant components of London’s landmark Tower Bridge.

Four two metre-long nose bolts have been removed and replaced for the first time in decades as part of a series of maintenance works taking place during overnight closures.

Tower Bridge engineering works
Engineers insert a new ‘nose bolt’(James Manning/PA)

The work is being carried out by City Bridge Foundation, the 900-year-old charity which owns and maintains Tower Bridge and four other Thames crossings.

Tower Bridge engineering works
Engineers are replacing the 2m long ‘nose bolts’ which lock the two bascules (bridge decks) together when it is closed (James Manning/PA)

“As a bridge with moving parts, it’s inevitable that we will see wear and tear, but carrying out planned work like this avoids the need for more disruptive and costly repairs further down the line.

Tower Bridge engineering works
Tower Bridge was closed to traffic overnight (James Manning/PA)

Around 40,000 people and 21,000 vehicles a day cross the bridge, which lifts around 900 times a year to let boats pass underneath.