Transport for London (TfL) and Riverlinx Limited have officially opened the GBP 2.2 billion (US$ 2.8 billion) Silvertown Tunnel, connecting Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London.

The Silvertown Tunnel spans nearly one mile (1.4 km) beneath the River Thames, connecting Greenwich and Newham, adjacent to the Blackwall Tunnel. Developed by TfL in partnership with Riverlinx Limited—a consortium comprising abrdn, Invesis, Cintra, and SK ecoplant—the project was delivered under a design, build, finance, operate, and maintain (DBFOM) agreement. Riverlinx will be responsible for operating and maintaining the tunnel for the next 25 years. TfL will make availability payments to Riverlinx during this period, funded by the tunnel user charges, which are projected to generate approximately GBP100 million (US$129 million) annually. Daily usage is projected to exceed 25,000 people. The design and construction were carried out by Riverlinx CJV, a joint venture between BAM, Ferrovial Construction, and SK ecoplant, contracted by TfL and the Riverlinx SPV.

Toll Charges and Discounts:

• Toll Rates: Both the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels now require toll payments. For cars, charges range from £1.50 to £4 during peak times.

• Discounts: Eligible low-income residents from 12 East London boroughs and the City of London can receive a 50% discount on tunnel charges. Additionally, small businesses, sole traders, and charities operating in Greenwich, Newham, or Tower Hamlets may qualify for a £1 discount during off-peak times for up to three vehicles.

Public Transport Enhancements:

• Bus Services: New cross-river bus routes, including routes 108, 129, and the Superloop 4, have been introduced to serve the tunnel. These services are free for pay-as-you-go users for at least the first 12 months. 

• DLR Journeys: Cross-river trips on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from stations such as Greenwich or Cutty Sark to Island Gardens and from Woolwich Arsenal to King George V will be refunded for at least one year.