'Hated' £2.2bn tunnel in the UK to temporarily close just months after opening
The controversial Silvertown Tunnel, which cost around £2.2bn, has temporarily closed due to maintenance and snagging works - just two months after its grand opening
Drivers have been warned after a mega £2.2 billion tunnel, that promised to slash congestion and delays, has temporarily closed.
Despite opening just two months ago, the hated Silvertown Tunnel has closed for 17 nights for general maintenance and snagging works. During the southbound-only closures - buses will be diverted via the Blackwall Tunnel. When both directions are closed, buses will operate a split-service that terminates at Canning Town and North Greenwich.
"TfL will look to ensure bus services can continue to run where possible and has been communicating with drivers about the closures and weekly customer emails," a spokesperson said. Drivers will be advised through email communications to use alternative routes like the London Underground or route 108. The closures started on Friday, May 30 and will last until Sunday, June 22.
Silvertown tunnel closures - the full list
Friday, May 30: 22:00–06:00 (Southbound only)
Saturday, May 31: 22:00–06:00 (Southbound only)
Sunday, June 1: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only)
Monday, June 2: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only)
Tuesday, June 3: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only)
Wednesday, June 4: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed)
Thursday, June 5: 22:00–05:00 (Northbound only)
Friday, June 6: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed)
Saturday, June 7: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed)
Sunday, June 8: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed)
Friday, June 13: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed)
Saturday, June 14: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed)
Sunday, June 15: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed)
Wednesday, June 18: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only)
Friday, June 20: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed)
Saturday, June 21: 22:00–06:00 (Both bores closed)
Sunday, June 22: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed)
The 1.4km tunnel - which opened on April 7, 2025, links Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London and aims to reduce traffic in the area by making peak-time journeys faster and more reliable. After its grand opening, the average trip across the river was slashed by up to 20 minutes.
Funded with a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) against future earnings for £2.2 billion, the tunnel was met with unwavering criticism ever since its planning approval back in 2018. While TfL argued the nearby Blackwall Tunnel was 'never designed' for the levels of traffic now whizzing through the Big Smoke - residents slammed the decision to allow Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to use the new tunnel - meaning they no longer have to travel over the Dartford Crossing.
Campaigners have slammed this rule, arguing they'll be subject to gas-guzzling vehicles travelling past their 'schools and kids', worsening the area's air quality. TfL has clapped back, saying it has been monitoring air quality for the past five years across five boroughs and will continue to monitor them for at least three years after the tunnel is opened. "This is to make sure the tunnel user charge levels are working and the project meets its objectives," TFL said.
Silvertown Tunnel has resulted in more public transport offerings, with 21 zero-emission buses an hour travelling in each direction between 7am and 7pm Monday-Friday. However, the project was slammed again after it was revealed how almost £2 million was being spent on a three-year 'bike bus' contract that will allow cyclists to travel through the tunnel. The revelation came after TfL prohibited cycling in the tunnel for 'safety reasons' - meaning those on their bike will have to hop off and take a shuttle to cross the tunnel.
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