Skip to main content

New Thames tunnel crossing for London?

Progress is being made with regard to the proposed Silvertown Tunnel project under the River Thames in London. The public consultation process is now going ahead for the Silvertown Tunnel, which has been described as vital for freight by the Freight Transport Association. Transport for London (TfL) is launching the consultation into a series of crossings planned in and around the capital. The Silvertown Tunnel will link the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks and will provide a reduction in congestion
October 5, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Progress is being made with regard to the proposed Silvertown Tunnel project under the River Thames in London. The public consultation process is now going ahead for the Silvertown Tunnel, which has been described as vital for freight by the 3934 Freight Transport Association. 2387 Transport for London (TfL) is launching the consultation into a series of crossings planned in and around the capital. The Silvertown Tunnel will link the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks and will provide a reduction in congestion and delays for drivers in East London.
 
At present the alternative crossing in the area is the Blackwall Tunnel, which has a 4m height limit, restricting access for taller trucks, forcing them to take lengthy detours out to the M25 in order to cross the Thames, adding to journey and delivery times. The tunnel is blocked often by overheight vehicles whose drivers are unaware of the restrictions of the link, causing further delays. Drivers approaching the tunnel currently face on average a 3.2km tailback during peak periods – wasting an estimated one million hours each year by people queuing to use it.
 
The Silvertown Tunnel is part of TfL’s plans for a series of new river crossings that are needed to support the capital’s rapidly growing population, which is expected to increase from 8.6 million now to 10 million by 2030.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Balfour Beatty wins Lower Thames deal
    January 24, 2023
    The Lower Thames Crossing will run under the River Thames, down river from London in the south-east of England.
  • PTV Group retains London contract for modelling software
    October 1, 2019
    PTV Group said that it has been retained by Transport for London (TfL) as a supplier of tactical and operational modelling software.
  • TfL opts for RedSpeed safety cameras
    September 23, 2014
    RedSpeed International is to supply around 600 speed and red light safety cameras to Transport for London (TfL). The award is the result of a process which started in August 2012 and will see the company’s SpeedCurb and RedSpeed products progressively installed with a completion date of October 2016. The installation of the RedSpeed digital red light camera replacement in London has already started. The cameras not only enforce against red light running, but also monitor and enforce against vehicles brea
  • Improving safety for vulnerable road users
    January 2, 2013
    Dutch-style cycle safety for other European nations – Mike Woof writes A recent event held in London during October was aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users. Called Love London go Dutch, the event was intended to highlight some of the experience from Holland in reducing risk rates for vulnerable road users such as cyclists. Similar events were held in other UK cities, while other major European cities such as Paris that are seeing an increase in cycling also have a lot to learn from Dutch exp