Transport for London reveal new Silvertown tunnel photos

Transport for London have revealed a number of new images of Silvertown tunnel while announcing forthcoming Blackwall tunnel closures.

Yesterday I covered more closures planned after TfL issued a press release – and alongside the notification were a number of images of building work.

Alongside three images from within the new road tunnel was an aerial shot of the southern portal.

Since construction begun I’ve covered work on the north portal extensively aided by good views from the Cable Car, though it’s much harder to gain a good glimpse to take photographs south of the Thames.

Work on the northern road network, portal and control structure is well advanced.

TfL’s aerial image shows how two lanes of traffic in Greenwich heading southbound have been diverted to cross over the entrance to Silvertown tunnel.

Two traffic lanes exiting Silvertown will meet two lanes existing the Blackwall tunnel – though beyond there is no increase in capacity onto an already crowded and congested stretch of A102 and A2.

Other images show inside the £2.2bn tunnel.

Riverlinx and constructing the tunnel and tolls are expected pay costs. Public money from TfL to the tune of nearly £200 million is also being spent outright.

A bus and lorry lane will run through the tunnel though ends immediately at the tunnel mouth meaning bus will meet four lanes of traffic.

Note the bus lane below.

Buses will be of little use to most in Greenwich. Two new routes will run. One is an express bus that runs fast through much of Greenwich borough upon entering from Lewisham borough while the 129 – which also runs from Lewisham borough – is extended to Beckton.

Various areas such as Eltham, Kidbrooke, Charlton or Woolwich will see no buses to or from the tunnel.

Work is expected to complete in spring 2025.