Blackwall Tunnel to close this weekend as final work on Silvertown project gets underway

Drivers have been warned to expect significant delays this weekend as the Blackwall Tunnel closes to southbound traffic to make way for the next set of updates to the Silvertown Tunnel.

Transport for London has announced the closure will begin from 11pm on Saturday, November 16, and continue until 5am on Monday, November 18.

The major river crossing in east London will remain open to northbound traffic throughout the closure period, though diversions may be in place.

The works are part of the ongoing construction of the Silvertown Tunnel, a major infrastructure project set to provide a new Thames crossing by 2025.

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Transport for London expects severe congestion this weekend with long delays anticipated along the A13 westbound between Canning Town and Whitechapel.

The closure will begin with overnight work on Friday, November 15 from 11pm to 6am. While southbound traffic will be diverted, vehicles heading northbound will still be able to use the tunnel.

TfL stated that regular maintenance closures will continue as normal between 11:59pm on Saturdays and 7am on Sunday mornings.

Significant delays are also anticipated on approaches to the Rotherhithe Tunnel throughout the weekend. TfL is advising people to use the Tube and rail services for journeys in central London where possible.

TfL has also urged drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys during the closure period as queues are expected to be long.

HGVs and other large vehicles are specifically advised to use routes away from central London, with size and weight restrictions applying to some river crossings. The Congestion Charge will continue to operate as normal during the closure period.

The Woolwich Ferry will maintain normal operations, though passengers should expect long queues during the weekend closures. Bus route 108 will operate a split service from 10pm on Friday until 12:01am on Monday.

The new Silvertown Tunnel represents a significant upgrade to London’s river crossing infrastructure, designed to address long-standing issues with the Victorian-era Blackwall Tunnel.

The 1,400-metre tunnel will include a dedicated bus lane and is expected to open in 2025. When operational, the new crossing aims to cut journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak periods.

The need for the tunnel comes after research found that around one million hours are lost annually due to queuing at Blackwall Tunnel closures.

The project will introduce 21 zero-emission buses per hour across new routes, improving public transport connectivity across the Thames. Both tunnels will be subject to user charges to manage traffic levels and maintain air quality improvements.

The new infrastructure is expected to boost business opportunities on both sides of the river and enhance the resilience of London’s road network.

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