The controversial Silvertown Tunnel in London is set to close for 17 nights, despite opening just two months ago, potentially causing traffic havoc.
Transport for London has confirmed that it will be closing the Silvertown Tunnel in June for general maintenance and "snagging works".
The tunnel was first opened on April 7, with drivers making use of a new route linking Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula.
Modelling suggests that the new Silvertown Tunnel will cut journey times by up to 20 minutes at peak times, as well as boosting zero emission transport options.
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The Silvertown Tunnel will be closed overnight for 17 days
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Despite opening less than two months ago, the Silvertown Tunnel will be closed overnight until Sunday, June 22.
TfL confirmed that when the southbound section is closed, buses will be diverted via the Blackwall Tunnel.
At times when both directions are closed, buses will operate a split service that terminates at Canning Town and North Greenwich.
A spokesperson for the transport authority stated that it would ensure bus services can continue to run where possible, as well as inform customers with weekly emails.
The Silvertown Tunnel officially opened in April after just under five years of construction
PA
Planned overnight closures of the Silvertown Tunnel
- Friday, May 30 - 10pm-6am (Southbound only)
- Saturday, May 31 - 10pm-6am (Southbound only)
- Sunday, June 1 - 10pm-5am (Southbound only)
- Monday, June 2 - 10pm-5am (Southbound only)
- Tuesday, June 3 - 10pm-5am (Southbound only)
- Wednesday, June 4 - 10pm-5am (Both directions closed)
- Thursday, June 5 - 10pm-5am (Northbound only)
- Friday, June 6 - 10pm-6am (Both directions closed)
- Saturday, June 7 - 10pm-6am (Both directions closed)
- Sunday, June 8 - 10pm-5am (Both directions closed)
- Friday, June 13 - 10pm-6am (Both directions closed)
- Saturday, June 14 - 10pm-6am (Both directions closed)
- Sunday, June 15 - 10pm-5am (Both directions closed)
- Wednesday, June 18 - 10pm-5am (Southbound only)
- Friday, June 20 - 10pm-6am (Both directions closed)
- Saturday, June 21 - 10pm-6am (Both bores closed)
- Sunday, June 22 - 10pm-5am (Both directions closed)
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The Silvertown Tunnel was first proposed in 2012, with plans backed by the Transport Secretary in 2018, before just under five years of construction work.
The 1,400 metre tunnel aims to manage the air quality impact of traffic congestion on some of the most polluted roads in the capital.
As part of the new transport link, passengers can benefit from 21 zero emission buses an hour in each direction, with free pay-as-you-go fares for at least one year.
Speaking at the time of opening, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "The new Silvertown Tunnel will transform travel in the South and East of our city, particularly across the River Thames, and will help to address the chronic congestion and poor air quality around Blackwall Tunnel.
Drivers will be charged at least £1.50 to drive through the new Silvertown Tunnel
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON"The new tunnel will reduce journey times, help to manage pollution levels and improve cross-river public transport."
Drivers will be charged a rate of £1.50 during off-peak hours if they are registered with TfL Auto Pay.
Prices rise by £1 for motorbikes, while cars and small vans will pay £2.50 extra. Large vans are charged an extra £4 and HGVs will pay £5 more.
When driving northbound, peak times are defined as between 6am and 10am, while southbound peak hours are from 4pm to 7pm. Both apply from Monday to Friday.
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