Blackwall Tunnel: Closure planned for upcoming weekend, TfL advises drivers to identify alternative routes

The Blackwall Tunnel is due to be shut to southbound traffic this coming weekend, with drivers planning to use the crossing being advised to identify alternative routes in advance.

The closure is to allow for Transport for London (TfL) and Riverlinx CJV to carry out works at Pear Island, and for changes to be made to the tunnel’s northbound carriageway, in preparation for the new Silvertown Tunnel.

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.

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

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.

The tunnel's northbound route is not to be affected.

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.”

The 108 bus service will be split in two during the closure, operating separately between Lewisham and North Greenwich, and Canning Town and Stratford.

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.

TfL has shut the Blackwall Tunnel southbound on two previous occasions in the last month, from September 30 to October 2, and October 7 to October 9.

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

The Blackwall Tunnel connects the Greenwich peninsula with Poplar in Tower Hamlets. First opened in 1897, it is one of the few east London river crossings. Currently free, it will be tolled from 2025, once the nearby Silvertown Tunnel project is completed.