Motorists faced major delays this morning after a lorry crashed into the Blackwall Tunnel, forcing a southbound closure and bringing gridlock to parts of east London.

The incident occurred at around 8.50am, when the Metropolitan Police were called to reports of a collision in the southbound tunnel between the A12/A13 and Greenwich.

Police confirmed that a lorry had collided with part of the tunnel infrastructure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

However, the crash has led to significant disruption, with the southbound tunnel remaining closed for over two hours as recovery and inspection work continues.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said:

“Police were called at around 08:50hrs on Monday, 10 March to reports of a collision in the southbound Blackwall Tunnel.
A lorry collided with part of the tunnel. No reports of any injuries.
The southbound tunnel remains closed while the incident is dealt with. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.”

Traffic Chaos Across East London

The closure has caused long tailbacks, with congestion building on the A12 back to Bromley-by-Bow and A13 queues stretching to Beckton. Earlier in the morning, delays extended as far back as Hackney Wick.

Drivers have also reported heavy traffic through alternative routes, including the Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge, as vehicles are diverted from the Blackwall Tunnel.

Public transport has also been impacted, with bus routes 108 and 115 being rerouted due to the closure and congestion.

Transport for London (TfL) is advising drivers to seek alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys, warning that delays are expected to continue into the early afternoon.