The new lighting system will be finished this summer in time for London 2012, and abseilers will spend a total of 4,000 hours above the Thames fitting the lights.

In total 5,000 metres of cable and 1,000 junction boxes will also be fitted to give Tower Bridge a dynamic lighting system for the next 25 years.

The £2 million ($3.2 million/€2.4 million) project is backed by EDF Energy, who will supply the Tower Bridge with electricity from low-carbon sources, General Electric (GE) and the City of London Corporation, who own the bridge.

"This is an important milestone on the capital's journey to London 2012," EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said.

"EDF is proud to be helping Tower Bridge become an icon of a lower carbon London ahead of the Games.

"Lit even more beautifully, but using less energy, this world famous icon is now well on its way to becoming a symbol of sustainably for the capital.

"Through this project we believe that Tower Bridge will join the EDF Energy London Eye in encouraging London residents and visitors to think about where the electricity they use every day comes from, and what they could be doing to use it more efficiently."

Giant Olympic rings are being temporarily hung from the bridge during the Games, and London Mayor Boris Johnson, who brokered the project, said: "All hail to these plucky abseilers who are helping install a spectacular new low-energy lighting system for Tower Bridge in time for London's historic summer.

"This is a great example of how hosting the Games is delivering benefits for Londoners that will continue for many years after the last medal has been given out."

Tony Gale, GE's London 2012 general manager added: "With the Diamond Jubilee and the Games coming ever nearer, GE are very proud that our lamps and fittings are playing their part in helping prepare London's outstanding landmark to celebrate these events, and many more in the years to come."

The work on the bridge's lighting will be completed by May, with the lights set to be in action for the first time in June.

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