Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the Blackwall Tunnel will be shut southbound for two weekends this summer to allow for a new road configuration to support the forthcoming Silvertown Tunnel. Additionally, road resurfacing and safety barrier works will be carried out during these closures.

The southbound closures will occur on the weekends of July 20-22 and August 17-19. Northbound traffic will not be affected and will be diverted via the southbound tunnel when necessary.

Plans for the Silvertown Tunnel, which is expected to open next year, were first proposed more than a decade ago. The new tunnel aims to reduce traffic congestion and provide faster journeys in east London, potentially cutting travel times by up to 20 minutes. It will also significantly increase bus services across the river and introduce a proposed new cycle shuttle service for cyclists.

The Blackwall Tunnel weekend closures will commence at 12:01am on Saturday and southbound traffic is expected to be restored by 5am on Monday morning. TfL will take this opportunity to carry out additional works within and around the Blackwall Tunnel to facilitate future maintenance and ensure its continued safe operation.

During the closures, Bus Route 108 will be temporarily split, terminating at Canning Town station and North Greenwich.

Nick Fairholme from TfL said, “We are now in the final phase of works to complete the Silvertown Tunnel and these closures will help us to start getting the tunnel ready to open. We appreciate that these planned weekend works will impact some drivers and are doing everything we can to limit potential disruption – including ensuring a northbound route through the Blackwall Tunnel is maintained throughout.”