Transport for London (TfL) has announced the impending opening of the much-anticipated Silvertown Tunnel, marking a significant milestone for east London. Set to open on April 7, 2025, this new crossing aims to alleviate traffic congestion and bolster the region's public transport system.
Construction for the Silvertown Tunnel commenced in spring 2021, following its inception first proposed back in 2012. Spanning 1.4 kilometers under the River Thames, the tunnel will create a directly accessible route linking Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula. Stuart Harvey, the chief capital officer at TfL, highlighted the project as being not only innovative but also as "a testimony to brilliant and ground-breaking engineering." This project promises to cut peak travel times by as much as 20 minutes, beneficial for countless commuters.
While the tunnel intends to streamline traffic flow, it will also introduce toll charges to recover construction costs and maintain the infrastructure. For drivers, the fees will vary based on the time of day. During peak hours, which run from 6 AM to 10 AM for northbound trips and 4 PM to 7 PM for southbound, car and small van drivers will be required to pay up to £4. Off-peak charges are set at £1.50 for auto-pay users, incentivizing this payment option. This fee structure ensures both the Silvertown and the adjacent Blackwall Tunnel, which has been free since its opening, are managed effectively to prevent potential increases in traffic at either crossing.
The tolling framework is detailed alongside distinct charges for larger vehicles; heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) can pay as much as £10 during peak times, whereas large vans could face fees reaching up to £6.50. These measures are intended not just to manage traffic flows but also to incentivize the use of public transport alternatives.
Reflecting on the public transport enhancements, the Silvertown Tunnel will introduce new bus routes, with many commencing alongside the tunnel opening. For at least the first 12 months, these routes—including the new Superloop 4 (SL4) linking Canary Wharf and Grove Park—will be free for all users. This service enhancement will increase the number of buses crossing the river from six to 21 per hour, incredibly boosting access and mobility across the area and emphasizing TfL's commitment to environmental measures through the use of zero-emission buses.
Cyclists have also raised concerns about accessibility with the tunnel’s construction. To address this, TfL plans to introduce a dedicated shuttle bus service to ferry cyclists across the Thames. Setting off every 12 minutes, this bus will operate daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, ensuring safe and convenient travel for cyclists. The service will have two designated stops—one on Seagull Lane near the Royal Victoria DLR station and another on Millennium Way—in addition to providing information through cycling route maps at shelter points.
While the project holds much promise, it has not been without controversy. Some councils express concern over the potential for drivers diverting to other crossings to evade tolls, which may inadvertently worsen congestion elsewhere. Critics, including representatives from the environmental advocacy group Stop Silvertown Tunnel Traffic and Pollution, argue the initiative could hurt air quality rather than improve it, citing the existing traffic issues around the Blackwall Tunnel. Community voices like Dartford MP Jim Dickson have called for toll concessions to accommodate residents living near the tunnel.
Despite these concerns, TfL’s measure will also extend support to low-income residents and small businesses within qualifying boroughs. Discounts applied to tolls for users receiving specific benefits aim to alleviate potential financial burdens stemming from the new charges. Stuart Harvey reiterated the necessity of both the tunnel and its managed tolls as potential mechanisms to bolster local growth and sustain traffic management efforts.
Further enhancements around the area, such as upgrades to the Tidal Basin Roundabout and additional walking and cycling paths, are planned to complement the tunnel’s opening. By spring 2025, these developments will promote active travel and ease the movement of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
With the opening date approaching, TfL is working diligently to finalize operational preparations and additional infrastructure to support these new transport routes. The integration of enhanced crossing options at both the Silvertown Tunnel and the historic Blackwall Tunnel is expected to unify public travel methods and reduce its environmental footprint, driving London closer to its goal of sustainable transport.