The Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the Construction of the Silvertown Tunnel built under the Thames, linking Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London is on track for completion in spring 2025.

To manage traffic and improve air quality, both the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels will have user charges. Without these charges, traffic and congestion would worsen, leading to poorer air quality. The charges are intended to reduce congestion and improve air quality at Blackwall. A package of discounts and exemptions will support Londoners and businesses. The user charge aims to manage traffic and provide transport, environmental, and economic benefits while funding the tunnel’s construction and maintenance. Off-peak charges start at £1.50, with higher peak rates applied to manage traffic during rush hours. Proposed in 2012 and approved in 2018, the new 1.4 km tunnel will include a dedicated bus lane and aims to make the road network more reliable and faster for drivers.

When it opens in 2025, the Silvertown Tunnel will reduce congestion and delays, cutting journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak hours. It will introduce 21 zero-emission buses per hour, improving public transport. Businesses will benefit from reliable travel times and new market access, with discounts for small businesses and charities for at least one year. Air quality monitoring will continue post-opening, and a free cycle shuttle bus service will be available for at least one year. 

The Riverlinx consortium, including Abrdn, Invesis, Cintra, and SK ecoplant, won the bid to design, build, finance, and maintain the Silvertown Tunnel through private finance. The Silvertown Tunnel is set to be completed by spring 2025. In 2024, the focus is on installing essential equipment like ventilation, lighting, fire suppression, incident detection, and communication systems within the tunnel.