Silvertown Tunnel
Construction work has now begun and sites are well established on both sides of the river. When completed in 2025, the Silvertown Tunnel will be the first new road crossing east of Tower Bridge since the Dartford Crossing was built over 30 years ago.
The tunnel will have a dedicated lane for buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles, meaning there will be a significant increase in the number of buses crossing the river and much greater opportunity to use public transport. Buildings above the tunnel entrances, and plans to improve walking, cycling and the urban environment, are also part of the major regeneration of both sides of the river.
View from the IFS Cloud Cable Car
For too long, the Blackwall Tunnel has been plagued by chronic congestion and daily incidents and the cross-river network in east London has not been able to cope. After exploring numerous options for a much-needed new crossing, plans were developed and the Silvertown Tunnel scheme was put forward as a solution.
In 2012, the Silvertown Tunnel was designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NISP) and further to consultation, a Development Consent Order (DCO) was awarded by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2018.
The Silvertown Tunnel will transform the situation at Blackwall by effectively eliminating congestion, improving reliability and offering an alternative during frequent closures.
For further information on the background to the scheme visit tfl.gov.uk/silvertown-tunnel