Popular tunnel to shut this weekend with standstill traffic likely and 'long delays to your journey'

The tunnel closure is to allow further work to be done on a new road layout on the A102, as part of the Silvertown Tunnel Project.

This means there will be a temporary closure of the southbound tunnel, but the northbound tunnel will remain open with diverted routes.

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The Silvertown Tunnel will link additional eastern routesto the Greenwich Peninsula and is set to open in 2025.

When operational, the tunnel aims to reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel, deliver faster and more reliable journeys, and improve air quality and public transport links.

Transport for London detailed how during the weekend there may be diversions in the approach as northbound traffic could be diverted through the southbound tunnel.

With the tunnel closing this weekend, TfL has warned drivers it expects roads and alternative river crossings in east and central London to be “extremely busy with long delays to your journey”.

Queues can reach as far as the A13 westbound between Canning Town and Whitechapel as well as on the approaches to Rotherhithe Tunnel throughout the weekend.

To help prevent delays, drivers have been advised to only travel if necessary or use the tube and rail where possible when going through central London.

TfL stated: “You can use our Journey Planner and our TfL Go app to plan your journey and check planned work. If you need to drive during these closures, plan ahead, check before you travel and allow more time for your journey.

"If you need to cross the river, consider using crossings away from central London.”

As for HGVs and other large vehicles, TfL explained that there will be size and weight restrictions on the tunnel. There will be a four-metre height restriction on the northbound tunnel.

During the closures, the Congestion Charge will still operate with drivers fined a £15 daily charge. The zone operates from 7am until 6pm between Monday and Friday and 12pm until 6pm on the weekends and bank holidays.

The closure will also affect bus routes with the 108 operating on a split service during the busy weekend. The bus will be split between Stratford International and Canning Town and North Greenwich to Lewisham.

“To cross the river, use Tube and rail services. Auto refunds will be in place for Bus 108 customers who use the Jubilee line between North Greenwich and Canning Town,” TfL added.

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The next set of planned closures for the Blackwall Tunnel will take place from Saturday, September 7, to Monday, September 9.

During the next closures, TfL hopes to undertake more progress on the Silvertown tunnel road ahead of its 2025 opening.