URGENT!!! Blackwall tunnel closures in May and June!
PILNE!!! Blackwall tunnel closures in May and June!.
Important information for exporters and importers! The Blackwall Tunnel will be closed to southbound traffic for several weekends in May and June to support work on the northbound carriageway of the Blackwall Tunnel. Below are the details. The closures are necessary to help implement the road configuration for the new Silvertown Tunnel, which will open in 2025.
The closures will take place at weekends:
- 18 - 20 May
- 1 - 3 June
- 8 - 10 June
- 29 June - 1 July
A number of works will be carried out during this weekend, including the replacement of road and pavement surfaces on the approaches to the tunnel, the installation of safety barriers, retaining wall works and landscaping works. All closures will begin at 00:01 on Saturday morning and southbound traffic will be restored by 05:00 on Monday morning at the latest. More information on the closures can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk/blackwall-tunnel.
Throughout the weekend, the Blackwall Tunnel will be closed to southbound traffic and drivers will have to use alternative routes. Northbound traffic will not be affected by these closures as traffic will be diverted through the southbound Blackwall Tunnel if necessary. Drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance, checking before they travel so they can take into account any other potential impacts or traffic restrictions, such as height and weight restrictions at Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge, both of which are outside the Congestion Charge zone. Traffic around Rotherhithe Tunnel and along the A13 Commercial Road is expected to be heavier than usual at weekends due to the closure. Woolwich Ferry will also operate at weekends.
"We are approaching the opening of the new Silvertown Tunnel and recognise that the planned weekend works will have an impact on some motorists. We are doing everything we can to limit potential disruption and complete these essential works as quickly as possible, including ensuring that the northbound route through the Blackwall Tunnel is maintained," reads the BIFA ( British International Freight Association) announcement.
Work on commissioning the tunnel continues to progress. Both 1.1km long tunnels have now been fully excavated and the 'cut and cover' sections are now virtually covered. With the approval of local councils, the landscaping work in Greenwich is now underway as the construction sites are no longer needed.
Work will also continue throughout 2024 to install critical safety systems in the tunnel, as well as work on the tunnel portals. Work is also underway on the new road layout around the Tidal Basin roundabout in Newham, including new pedestrian and cycle paths to make it easier for people to access the Royal Docks via Lower Lea Crossing.
