Blackwall Tunnel: Further closures planned while Silvertown Tunnel works continue

East London’s Blackwall Tunnel is to be part-closed for a second weekend due to ongoing works on the Silvertown Tunnel.

The southbound route of the tunnel, connecting Poplar in Tower Hamlets with the Greenwich peninsula, was shut last weekend (September 30 to October 2) to allow for a realignment of the carriageway, which will carry it over the entrance of the new Silvertown Tunnel.

Several residents spoke of “major traffic issues” in the area as a result of the works, despite repeated Transport for London (TfL) warnings ahead of time.

A spokesperson for the transport authority has confirmed to LondonWorld that this weekend’s closure is also to go ahead as-planned, from 12.01am on October 7 to 5am on Monday 9.

The northbound route is not to be affected.

TfL is continuing to suggest anyone looking to travel in the area to plan their journeys in advance, with drivers of HGVs and large vans advised to avoid central London routes.

The Woolwich Ferry will however operate a special service every 15/20 minutes over the weekend, between 7am and 6pm.

A further closure of the southbound tunnel is expected in late October or early November, with lane restrictions also likely to be implemented during work on the northbound carriageway later this year.

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.

TfL is advising customers to use the Jubilee line to cross the Thames, with those who use the 108 and then change onto the line over the weekend not to be charged their Tube fare.

Commenting ahead of the first weekend closure, 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.

“Working with Riverlinx CJV, we have worked hard to try and limit the potential disruption these will cause, such as putting on a special service for the Woolwich Ferry and 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.”

The Silvertown Tunnel, which will connect the Royal Docks in Newham with Greenwich, is intended to open in 2025. From that date, both it and the Blackwall Tunnel will be tolled, in a bid to manage traffic levels.

The project, given the green light by the government in 2018, has been heavily criticised for its expected environmental impact, by groups ranging from councils to academics.

The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, and TfL however argue it is essential to ease congestion on the Blackwall Tunnel, with east London served by very few river crossings compared to west.