Blackwall Tunnel: Closures planned by TfL for October 21-23 as works on east London crossing continue

The Blackwall Tunnel will be part-closed for another weekend this month, as works continue on the east London river crossing.

Transport for London (TfL) had shut the tunnel southbound on two previous occasions in the last few weeks, from September 30 to October 2, and October 7 to October 9.

Locals told LondonWorld of “major traffic issues” during the first closure, despite TfL having advertised the works ahead of time.

The tunnel will again be shut southbound on October 21 to October 23, to allow TfL and Riverlinx CJV to carry out works at Pear Island.

Changes will also be made to the tunnels’ northbound carriageway, to move where the three lanes become two, to allow more room for further work on the site.

Over the weekend, the northbound on-slip on Blackwall Lane will be closed, with a signed diversion via the Woolwich Flyover roundabout to be in-place, and there will be no access to Tunnel Avenue from the A102.

Northbound traffic will not be affected, as it will be diverted through the southbound route while the works are ongoing, TfL said.

Drivers are being advised to plan their routes in advance, and for those in HGVs, and any van more than two metres tall or two tonnes, to avoid central London.

Carl Eddleston, director of network management and resilience at TfL, said: “The Blackwall Tunnel is used by tens of thousands of vehicles every day and we appreciate that these works will have an impact on some drivers. 

“Having completed works to the southbound carriageway, we are now working with Riverlinx CJV to prepare the northbound carriageway for the new Silvertown Tunnel. We have worked hard to try and limit the potential disruption these will cause, such as ensuring a northbound route can be maintained throughout these closures. 

“We will also be taking the opportunity to carry out works within and around the tunnel to help deliver future maintenance work more efficiently and ensure it continues to safely operate.”

As with previous closures, the 108 bus service, the only one which uses the Blackwall Tunnel, will be split in two, operating between Lewisham and North Greenwich south of the river, and Canning Town and Stratford north of it.

Those who use the 108 and then change onto the Jubilee line to cross the River Thames over the weekend will not be charged their Tube fare.

The southbound closure will begin at 12.01am on October 21, and end on 5am October 23.