Transport for London (TfL) has officially opened the long-awaited Silvertown Tunnel on April 7, 2025. This new infrastructure connects Silvertown in east London with the Greenwich Peninsula, aiming to alleviate congestion at the nearby Blackwall Tunnel and provide a reliable alternative during maintenance closures.
The Silvertown Tunnel, stretching 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles), is the first new road crossing east of London’s Tower Bridge in 33 years, following the Queen Elizabeth II bridge, which opened in 1991. The tunnel is expected to save drivers up to 20 minutes on average during peak hours, significantly improving travel times in the area.
Starting from the opening date, crossing charges will apply to both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. Car drivers will face fees of up to £4 per journey, with discounts available for automatic payments and off-peak travel. TfL has indicated that these charges will help manage traffic levels, repay construction costs, and cover ongoing maintenance and operation fees.
To ease the financial burden on residents, a 50% discount on crossing charges will be available for low-income individuals in 12 eligible boroughs and the City of London. Additionally, small businesses, sole traders, and charities in Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Greenwich can benefit from a £1 discount off the standard off-peak rate for the first year.
In a bid to enhance public transport connectivity, the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel will introduce several new services. Express bus routes, including the Superloop SL4 and an extended route 129, will offer free travel for at least the first 12 months. During peak times, 21 buses per hour will operate across both tunnels, all of which will be zero-emission vehicles.
For cyclists, a dedicated shuttle bus service will transport bikes through the tunnel safely. This service will run five buses per hour from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM every day except Christmas Day, and it will be free for cyclists for at least the first year. The shuttle will allow for eight unfolded bikes and will feature step-free boarding to accommodate all users.
Despite the anticipated benefits, the Silvertown Tunnel has faced criticism from local residents, environmental advocates, and some politicians. Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell expressed concerns that the new crossing would exacerbate traffic issues and worsen air quality. "We need river crossings that prioritize clean air, safe walking and cycling rather than this traffic-inducing road tunnel," she stated.
Local residents have voiced their apprehensions about increased traffic and pollution levels, with many already experiencing significant congestion in their neighborhoods. Victoria Rance, a resident near the A102, shared her frustrations, stating, "Every day, already there's queues going that way to Eltham… My home is highly polluted. I hear it day and night. If I open my window in the warmer months, I hear the noise constantly." Rance noted that her community has been facing air quality issues for decades, with rising asthma cases among children.
Transport for London has committed to monitoring air quality and traffic patterns in the area, with reports published since 2020. The agency claims that the new tunnel will help manage pollution levels and improve travel reliability. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London emphasized that the new infrastructure is crucial for addressing chronic congestion and pollution in the region.
As the Silvertown Tunnel officially opened, the first vehicles were expected to use it by 5 AM, with tolling beginning at 6 AM. The operational hours for both tunnels will be from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. Failure to pay the toll will result in a penalty charge notice of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within a fortnight.
In addition to the new crossing, TfL has made efforts to ensure that information about the tunnel and available discounts is accessible to all communities, providing resources in eight of the most spoken languages across east and southeast London.
The Silvertown Tunnel is expected to play a significant role in easing congestion, improving transport links, and supporting active travel initiatives in the area. For more information and to register for discounts, residents are encouraged to visit the TfL website.
Overall, while the Silvertown Tunnel promises to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times, it remains to be seen how it will impact local communities and the environment in the long term.
