ROAD BLOCK
Route used by 100,000 vehicles a day to close this weekend with drivers told to ‘plan ahead’ and ‘long delays’ likely
This comes as motorists were warned one of charges coming for the route that are expected to take effect in spring 2025
DRIVERS have been warned of planned closures to a major tunnel in East London this weekend which could cause significant traffic delays.
Blackwall Tunnel is set to be closed southbound all weekend until 5am on Monday August 19th, Transport for London (TfL) has said.
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The tunnel, which links Tower Hamlets to Greenwich, is one of the most important Thames crossings and carries the busy A102 road.
The closure is taking place to allow further work to be done on a new road layout as part of the Silvertown Tunnel Project.
While this means there will be a temporary closure of the southbound tunnel, the northbound tunnel will remain open with potentially diverted routes.
The Silvertown Tunnel will link additional eastern routes to the Greenwich Peninsula and is set to open in 2025.
When operational, the tunnel aims to reduce congestion at Blackwall Tunnel, deliver faster and more reliable journeys, and improve air quality and public transport links.
The closures come as TfL also announced plans to introduce a £4 charge to use the tunnel at peak times after being free for 120 years.
Motorists will face the levy to use the Blackwall tunnel or the upcoming Silvertown tunnel from spring next year, TfL has announced.
Work is being undertaken on what TfL has previously described as Blackwall Tunnel's lack of resilience in the event of incidents due to there being insufficient nearby alternative crossings.
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Transport for London detailed how during the weekend there may be diversions in the approach as northbound traffic could be diverted through the southbound tunnel.
With the tunnel closing this weekend, TfL has warned drivers it expects roads and alternative river crossings in east and central London to be “extremely busy with long delays to your journey”.
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The transport body cautioned that queues could reach as far as the A13 westbound between Canning Town and Whitechapel as well as on the approaches to Rotherhithe Tunnel throughout the weekend.
To help prevent delays, drivers have been advised to only travel if necessary or use the tube and rail where possible when going through central London.
TfL stated: “You can use our Journey Planner and our TfL Go app to plan your journey and check planned work. If you need to drive during these closures, plan ahead, check before you travel and allow more time for your journey.
"If you need to cross the river, consider using crossings away from central London.”
TfL advised drivers of HGVs and other large vehicles to avoid using other central London crossings in light of the closure, as many have size and weight restrictions.
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The Congestion Charge will still operate as normal during the closures, with drivers charged £15 daily. The zone operates from 7am until 6pm Monday to Friday and from 12pm until 6pm on the weekends and bank holidays.
The closure will also affect bus routes, with the 108 operating on a split service during the busy weekend. The bus will be split between Stratford International and Canning Town and North Greenwich to Lewisham.
TfL added: “To cross the river, use Tube and rail services. Auto refunds will be in place for Bus 108 customers who use the Jubilee line between North Greenwich and Canning Town."
TfL confirmed that the nearby Woolwich Ferry will operate as normal during these closures and advised drivers to check the Woolwich Ferry timetable for operating times.
However, it warned that during weekend closures, you may not be able to board the first ferry as long queues are expected.
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The next set of planned closures for the Blackwall Tunnel will take place from Saturday, September 7, to Monday, September 9.
During the next closures, TfL hopes to undertake more progress on the Silvertown tunnel road ahead of its planned opening in 2025.