TfL: London's long-awaited Silvertown Tunnel opens to drivers - everything you need to know

​London's long-anticipated Silvertown Tunnel officially opened to traffic today (April 7), marking the city's first new road crossing beneath the River Thames in over three decades.

This 1.4km (0.9-mile) twin-bore tunnel connects Silvertown in Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula, aiming to alleviate congestion at the nearby Blackwall Tunnel and enhance cross-river transportation in East London.

The Silvertown Tunnel was constructed to address the chronic traffic congestion plaguing the Blackwall Tunnel, which has been in operation since 1897 and was not designed to handle modern traffic volumes.

Transport for London (TfL) projects that the new tunnel will reduce journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak periods, offering a more reliable route for motorists and freight vehicles. Additionally, the tunnel is expected to improve air quality by decreasing idling times associated with traffic jams.

How much does the Silvertown Tunnel cost?

To manage traffic flow and fund the tunnel's construction and maintenance, toll charges have been introduced for both the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels. Charges apply daily between 6am and 10pm, with rates varying based on vehicle type and time of travel:​

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): £10 at peak times; £5 off-peak.

Peak periods are defined as 6am to 10am northbound and 4pm to 7pm southbound on weekdays. Payments can be made via TfL's Auto Pay system, online, or by phone. Failure to pay the toll may result in a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Discounts and exemptions

Several discounts and exemptions are available:​

• Local Residents: Those on certain low-income benefits residing in 12 east and southeast London boroughs and the City of London are eligible for a 50% discount.

• Small Businesses and Charities: Eligible entities can receive a £1 discount on the off-peak charge for up to three vehicles, valid for at least 12 months from the tunnel's opening.

• Exempt Vehicles: Buses, coaches, black taxis, and blue badge holders registered with TfL are exempt from the charges.​

To benefit from these discounts, users must register with TfL's Auto Pay system. ​

Changes to public transport

The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel brings significant improvements to public transportation:​

• New Bus Services: The Superloop SL4 express bus route now operates between Grove Park and Canary Wharf via the Silvertown Tunnel. Additionally, route 129 has been extended to run from Lewisham to Great Eastern Quay, passing through the tunnel. Both services are zero-emission and free for passengers for at least the first year. ​

• Cycle Shuttle Service: Cyclists can utilize a free shuttle bus service to transport bicycles through the tunnel, operating every 12 minutes from 6:30am to 9:30pm daily. This service is also free for at least the first year. ​

Is everyone happy about it?

While the tunnel aims to reduce congestion and improve air quality, some environmental groups and local residents have expressed concerns about potential increases in traffic and pollution. Critics argue that the tunnel could encourage more vehicle use, particularly by heavy goods vehicles, potentially offsetting environmental benefits.

In response, TfL emphasises the inclusion of dedicated bus lanes and the promotion of zero-emission public transport options as measures to mitigate environmental impact.

The Silvertown Tunnel represents a significant investment in London's transport infrastructure, aiming to provide more reliable cross-river connections and support the city's growth in the coming years.