The Silvertown Tunnel in east London is scheduled to open on 7 April 2025, introducing user charges of up to £4 per journey for cars and £6.50 for vans.
The project aims to reduce congestion and improve cross-river connectivity, supported by enhanced public transport services and infrastructure upgrades.
First announced in 2012, the 1.4km tunnel will link Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula, providing an alternative to the frequently congested Blackwall Tunnel, which will also implement tolls.
The crossings are expected to reduce journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak periods, offering a more reliable route for motorists.
User charges, operational from 6am to 10pm daily, are intended to fund construction costs, ongoing maintenance, and traffic management.
Peak-hour charges (6am-10am and 4pm-7pm, Monday to Friday) will be £4 for cars and small vans, with off-peak rates reduced to £1.50 for Transport for London (TfL) AutoPay users.
Motorcycles will pay £1 during peak hours and £0.50 off-peak, while larger vehicles such as HGVs will pay up to £10 during peak times.
TfL has encouraged drivers to register for AutoPay to access discounted rates. Discounts and exemptions will apply to low-income residents in 12 London boroughs, small businesses, local charities, NHS staff, and blue badge holders.
Zero-emission capable private hire vehicles and buses will also be exempt. A penalty charge of £180 (£90 if paid within 14 days) will apply for non-payment.
The toll system will be closely monitored by TfL to assess its impact on traffic levels, air quality and congestion.
The monitoring programme began in 2020, with regular reporting to ensure the scheme meets its objectives and mitigates potential environmental impacts.
The project includes enhanced public transport options, with new zero-emission bus routes increasing the number of cross-river buses from six to 21 per hour.
One such route, the Superloop SL4, will connect Canary Wharf to Grove Park. These services will be free to use for the first year to encourage public transport uptake.
TfL will also introduce a cycle-shuttle service operating every 12 minutes from 6:30am to 9:30pm daily, with stops near Royal Victoria DLR station and Millennium Way in Greenwich.
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Cyclists can use this service free of charge for the first year, and the shuttles will feature bespoke designs and branding to distinguish them from regular buses.
Improved maps and wayfinding will support greater use of active travel options.
In addition to the tunnel, TfL has completed infrastructure improvements at Tidal Basin Roundabout and Dock Road, with additional works underway at Lower Lea Crossing, expected to finish by spring 2025.
These upgrades aim to improve safety and traffic flow for all road users. Pedestrian and cyclist access has also been enhanced in the surrounding areas to support active travel.
During construction, more than 1.86 million tonnes of material were transported via river, reducing the need for approximately 110,000 lorry trips on local roads.
The project also created more than 120 apprenticeships, provided job placements for previously unemployed individuals, and delivered more than 1,500 days of training for future engineers..
The tunnel project was developed in response to long-standing challenges with the Blackwall Tunnel, which experiences frequent closures – more than 700 annually – causing severe congestion and air quality issues.
The Silvertown Tunnel aims to address these issues while supporting sustainable development and improving cross-river connectivity.
Stuart Harvey, chief capital officer at TfL, said: “The Silvertown Tunnel will open as planned, introducing user charges and public transport improvements to manage congestion, support local growth, and provide resilience for cross-river connections.”
The project has undergone extensive public consultation, with more than 5,300 responses informing the design of user charges, discounts, and exemptions.
TfL has also launched a major public awareness campaign to inform residents and businesses about the benefits of the tunnel, encourage registration for AutoPay, and promote the free cross-river bus services.
While the project has faced concerns from local groups regarding potential environmental and traffic impacts, TfL has stated that user charges and new public transport options will mitigate these issues, ensuring the tunnel delivers long-term benefits for Londoners.
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