Friday 18 October Blackwall Tunnel CLOSURE to impact southbound traffic overnight
The Blackwall Tunnel, a key route linking the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on the north bank of the River Thames with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to the south, will be closed to southbound traffic from 11pm on Friday 18 October until 5am on Saturday 19 October.
This scheduled closure is necessary to facilitate ongoing work on the Silvertown Tunnel Project, specifically for the completion of a new road layout.
The closure will only affect southbound traffic, with the northbound tunnel remaining open throughout the night to minimise disruption for motorists travelling towards central and north London.
Importance of the Blackwall Tunnel
Opened in 1897, the Blackwall Tunnel is one of the busiest river crossings in London, carrying tens of thousands of vehicles each day between east and southeast London. The tunnel is a critical link for commuters, commercial traffic, and other road users, as it helps bypass central London and eases congestion on other major routes.
Located to the east of Canary Wharf, the Blackwall Tunnel connects the A102 on the Greenwich Peninsula with the A13 and A12 roads, providing a vital connection to the M25 and further afield. For many drivers, particularly those in the east of the capital, it’s a key alternative to the Dartford Crossing further east and the central London bridges, making closures particularly impactful for traffic flow.
Alternative Routes
With the southbound tunnel closed overnight, drivers heading towards south London will need to seek alternative routes. The nearest river crossings include the Rotherhithe Tunnel to the west, and the Dartford Crossing further east, both of which may experience increased traffic during the closure. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
Further details on the closure and updates on the progress of the Silvertown Tunnel Project can be found on the Blackwall Tunnel webpage. Motorists are advised to check live traffic reports for real-time information on congestion and delays.
