Transport for London (TfL) has revealed another round of weekend closures for the Blackwall Tunnel as part of ongoing work to prepare for a new road layout ahead of the upcoming Silvertown Tunnel, which is set to open in 2025. The latest closure, impacting the southbound route, will begin at 23:00 GMT on Saturday and last until 05:00 on Monday.
The work is part of a broader plan to improve transport infrastructure across the Thames and will require intermittent closures of the Blackwall Tunnel to facilitate necessary construction activities. TfL has also outlined a contingency closure from 23:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Saturday, should additional time be required for the project.
The Blackwall Tunnel, one of London’s major transport links connecting the north and south banks of the Thames, has already seen a series of temporary closures throughout this year as part of these preparations. During the closures, the tunnel will remain open to northbound traffic, ensuring at least one direction of the crossing remains accessible.
However, the temporary closures are expected to cause disruption, particularly on local transport routes. To accommodate for the diversion of traffic, other nearby crossings such as the Woolwich Ferry, the Rotherhithe Tunnel, and Tower Bridge are anticipated to become busier, with commuters likely to face delays. TfL has urged drivers to plan their journeys in advance and consider using alternative routes where possible.
Impact on Bus Routes
The closure of the Blackwall Tunnel will also affect bus services that typically travel through the tunnel. The 108 bus, which is the only route that directly operates through the Blackwall Tunnel, will be diverted during these closures. Passengers relying on this service will instead be directed onto alternative routes running between Lewisham and North Greenwich, as well as between Canning Town and Stratford.
For passengers using the Jubilee line as part of their journey through the area, TfL has announced that those affected by the closure will be automatically refunded for any disruption to their travels. This measure is designed to ease the inconvenience caused to public transport users as they seek alternate routes during the tunnel’s temporary closures.
The Silvertown Tunnel: A New Phase for London’s Transport System
The Blackwall Tunnel closures are part of a larger initiative to enhance the capacity of London’s river crossings. The Silvertown Tunnel, a new £2.2 billion project, is scheduled to open in 2025 and will provide an additional link between the north and south sides of the Thames. This new crossing is expected to ease congestion on the existing tunnels, including the Blackwall Tunnel, and offer a more direct route for drivers.
Once operational, the Silvertown Tunnel will introduce a toll system, with drivers paying up to £4 at peak times to use the new crossing. The toll is part of a broader strategy to manage demand and ensure the new tunnel’s sustainability, as well as to encourage the use of public transportation or alternative routes during busy periods.
The introduction of the Silvertown Tunnel comes after years of planning and consultation, aiming to improve the flow of traffic across the Thames while reducing the pressure on older crossings like the Blackwall Tunnel, which have become increasingly congested over the years. As traffic volume continues to rise in the capital, the new tunnel is expected to play a crucial role in alleviating pressure on London’s infrastructure.
Ongoing Work and Future Closures
The continued closures of the Blackwall Tunnel, which have become a regular feature of the transport landscape in recent months, highlight the scale of the work required to prepare for the new tunnel and its associated road network. While these closures are inconvenient for drivers and public transport users, they are essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of the planned improvements.
As the opening date for the Silvertown Tunnel approaches, TfL is likely to announce further closures and diversions to allow for final construction and testing phases. Commuters are advised to stay informed through TfL’s website and social media channels for updates on upcoming closures and how to navigate the changes.
For now, the closures at the Blackwall Tunnel are expected to continue intermittently, with drivers advised to factor in extra travel time when using the tunnel or nearby crossings. With the Silvertown Tunnel’s planned opening just a year away, the latest closures mark a significant phase in the ongoing transformation of London’s transport network, promising a more efficient, albeit temporarily disrupted, future for commuters across the Thames.
