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Years and years of consultations, controversies and construction (and a whopping £2.2 billion) have finally led to this moment. The Silvertown Tunnel, the first new sub-Thames in 30 years, is officially up and running.
Silvertown was first mooted in the early 2000s. The first public consultation happened in 2012, it got approval in 2018 and construction began in 2021. Last year, we took a look inside and now it’s open for everyone.
TfL says that the structure will help reduce pollutions and ease congestion, although environmental campaigners argue that it’ll do that opposite and encourage more vehicles on the road. Here’s a reminder of everything you need to know now that the tunnel is open for business.
When will the Silvertown tunnel open?
The long-awaited road tunnel officially came into service on Monday April 7.
How much does it cost?
TfL will need to charge drivers in order to pay for the maintenance of Silvertown tunnel but the fee will vary according to peak and off-peak times. The toll is £4 each way at peak times and £1.50 during off-peak. If you’re a resident in one of 13 surrounding boroughs, you’ll be eligible for a 50 percent discount. Drivers have to pay the toll within three days of travelling through the tunnel. You can find a more detailed breakdown of all those costs here.
If you’re cycling through the Silvertown tunnel, you can use the bike shuttle bus, which will be free for at least the first year. And if you use one of the local buses that drive through, they’ll be completely free to ride for the next 12 months.
Location and map
The tunnel runs for 1.4km between west Silvertown and Greenwich Peninsula. Here’s exactly where it is.
Can you walk through the Silvertown tunnel?
Nope, walking (and cycling) through the tunnel is banned. The three bus routes that use the tunnel will initially be free, and the free bike shuttle bus will cater to cyclists.
On top of that, for at least a year certain cross-river DLR journeys will be free. These fares will be refunded.
- Greenwich/Cutty Sark to Island Gardens
- Woolwich Arsenal to King George V
Why was it built?
The Silvertown Tunnel has been built with an aim to alleviate congestion and reduce air pollution, taking pressure away from the nearby Blackwell Tunnel.
Why is it controversial?
The people against Silvertown Tunnel say that it’ll actually increase traffic and pollution and worsen public health. Some residents say that because the tunnel is free at night and has a larger bus lane than the Blackwell Tunnel, it’ll encourage more HGVs through the area. However, TfL says that tolls should prevent there being a significant increase. Local councils also argue that the east of London unfairly has more toll crossings than west.
Although the tunnel has now opened, campaigners are still calling for it to be repurposed into a tunnel crossing for pedestrians and bikes only.
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