Greenwich foot tunnel lift out of action 27 per cent of the time
A Greenwich foot tunnel lift was out of action 27 per cent of the time over the past year according to Greenwich Council.
The north lift had just a 73 per cent operational rate, while the south lift was out of action 20 per cent of the time. Often not at the same time of course further reducing usability for mobility impaired people.
That’s still better than Woolwich foot tunnel where the north lift has been out of action 100 per cent of the past year – and the year before that.
Despite being installed in the early 2010s as part of a bodged upgrade, Greenwich Council state: “The tunnel lifts are more complex, each lift being a bespoke installation with a limited operational life.”
“With regards to response times, our information system automatically advises us when a fault occurs, but repair times tend to be determined by availability of specialist parts.
“We have now installed Automatic Fault Monitoring in the lifts. This monitoring provides our engineers with up to date information on the operational status of the lifts, allowing us to detect faults quickly.
“The fault monitoring also automatically updates our website, allowing the public to better plan their journeys around the operational status of the lifts.”
The inaccessibility of the foot tunnel in crossing the Thames is compounded by problems with Cutty Sark DLR station. Escalator issues mean they’re out of order leaving on very small lift or 121 steps.
While the lift’s reliability remains poor, plans have been submitted for a new lighting scheme around the tunnel’s southern entrance building. Current lights were not maintained and are not working.
Woolwich foot tunnel
Back in November last year Greenwich Council stated both Newham and Greenwich would pay £104,840 to fix lift issues in Woolwich and that “whilst we have Newham’s in-principle acceptance of this, we are currently finalising legal agreements regarding the exchange of funds.”
That hasn’t yet happened according to the reply given at last week’s full council meeting.
Woolwich too was part of the early 2010s foot tunnel project which was eventually reduced in scope while resulting in frequently broken lifts for years.
Usage
Woolwich foot tunnel is likely to become far more popular in coming years as it’s not only a route for people from the south to reach Superloop route SL2 to various areas of east London and transport links but is also a link for those in North Woolwich heading to the Elizabeth line station.
High density residential is rising on both sides of the river in close proximity to the foot tunnel. The Waterfront centre currently obscures the entrance from Hare Street though that will change when it closes and is demolished.
Redevelopment plans should see a direct pedestrian link re-established from Woolwich town centre to the river opening up views of the Thames.
Over on the north side a block is now back underway after a contractor went bust, while 350 homes have been approved at former North Woolwich station sidings.
