The long-awaited Silvertown Tunnel, connecting east and south London, officially opened today. The 1.4km tunnel, which links Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula, is set to significantly reduce congestion and improve travel times across the River Thames.

A Decade in the Making

First announced in 2012, the project was delivered by Transport for London (TfL) and Riverlinx Limited. The tunnel is expected to save commuters up to 20 minutes during peak times, offering a vital alternative to the Blackwall Tunnel, which has long been plagued by traffic congestion.

Enhanced Public Transport Connectivity

The new tunnel has drastically increased bus capacity across the river, with the number of buses rising from six to 21 per hour. One of the key additions is the Superloop 4, a bus route connecting south-east London to Canary Wharf for the first time.

• The Superloop 4 will operate every eight minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes at weekends.

• Cross-river bus routes serving Greenwich, Newham, and Tower Hamlets will be free for pay-as-you-go users for at least 12 months.

• A cycle shuttle service has also been introduced, offering free transport for cyclists for the first year.

Mayor of London Praises New Infrastructure

Speaking at the opening, 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.”

He added that the tunnel would reduce journey times, manage pollution levels, and enhance cross-river public transport.

Toll Charges and Discounts

To manage traffic levels and cover building and maintenance costs, a toll charge has been introduced for both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels. The toll applies between 6 am and 10 pm, seven days a week.

• A range of concessions and discounts are available, including a 50% discount for low-income residents in the surrounding areas.

Supporting London’s Growth and Regeneration

The land previously used for constructing the Silvertown Tunnel will now support the Thameside West development, including 5,000 new homes, strategic industrial land, and a new DLR station. This is part of the Royal Docks regeneration plan, aiming to build over 36,000 new homes and create 55,000 jobs across east London.

Andy Lord, London’s transport commissioner, highlighted the tunnel’s importance:
The new Silvertown Tunnel is vital to supporting growth in east and southeast London and boosting cross-river bus services. Supported by the user charges, the new tunnel will also help reduce congestion and associated air quality issues around the Blackwall Tunnel, making journeys faster and more reliable.”

Public Reaction

Residents have welcomed the new infrastructure, with one commuter stating:
“Finally, an end to the constant traffic jams at Blackwall Tunnel. The new bus routes will make commuting much easier.”

The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel marks a new era for cross-river connectivity, providing a faster, more efficient route while supporting London’s broader urban development goals.