One week until Silvertown Tunnel opens: What Do You Need to know?

With the Silvertown Tunnel opening just around the corner and new charges coming into effect, here's everything you need to know.

In 2025, two critical tunnels in East and South East London—the Blackwall Tunnel and the new Silvertown Tunnel—will change. This will affect how you travel across the river. Here's what you need to know in simple terms.

Why the Tunnels Are Changing

The Blackwall Tunnel is old and often causes delays because it gets too crowded and needs repairs. The new Silvertown Tunnel is being built to help with this. Once the Silvertown Tunnel opens, both tunnels will be used more often, so a charge will be introduced for cars, motorbikes, and small vans. This is to manage traffic and help pay for the tunntunnels'eep.

Charges for Using the Tunnels

From 7 April 2025, the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels will charge drivers who use them. The charges will apply every day from 06:00 to 22:00. Here it will cost:

• Off-peak charges (when set): £1.50 for cars, motorbikes, and small vans if you use TfL AutoPay (a system that automatically takes the money from your account).

• Peak charges (when it's business: An extra £1 for motorbikes and £2.50 for cars and vans during rush hours.

The busiest times are:

• Northbound (going towards East London): 06:00-10:00

• Southbound (coming back to South London): 16:00-19:00

Sign up for AutoPay to save money. This service automatically charges you a lower rate during off-peak hours.

Discounts and Free Services for Local People

To help residents and businesses, Transport for London (TfL) is offering some discounts and complimentary services:

• 50% off the charge for low-income residents in 12 boroughs south of the river.

• Free bus travel across the river for at least one year on specific routes.

• A free cycle shuttle service for cyclists to cross the river between Silvertown and North Greenwich is available for the first year.

• There are exemptions for taxis, Blue Badge holders, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, zero-emission private hire vehicles, NHS staff, and eligible patients.

A New Tunnel for Faster Journeys

The new Silvertown Tunnel is designed to make your journeys quicker. It will connect Silvertown with the Greenwich Peninsula, cutting travel times by up to 20 minutes during busy times. The Silvertown Tunnel will also carry buses—lots of them! There will be 21 zero-emission buses an hour during peak times, so you'll have a better chance of getting a seat, and your journey will be more reliable.

Cycle Shuttle Service

If you ride a bike, a new Cycle Shuttle Service will help you cross the river between Silvertown and North Greenwich. The shuttle will run every 12 minutes from 06:30 to 21:30. It's free. It's the first. It's. It can carry all types of bikes, including regular bikes, cargo bikes, and e-bikes.

The shuttle is designed to be safe and easy for cyclists. It has space for bikes and can carry up to four standard bikes in each section. Cyclists won't have to worry about traffic or wait long for a crossing.

Benefits for South East London

The new Silvertown Tunnel and the improved Blackwall Tunnel are part of a plan to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make travelling around South East London easier. By adding more buses and a cycle shuttle, TfL encourages more sustainable travel, which means less pollution and smoother journeys.

Additionally, the Silvertown Tunnel is located in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which means only cleaner, greener vehicles can travel through it without paying extra charges. This will help improve air quality for everyone in the area.

How the Tunnels Will Help the Local Economy

The new tunnels will help improve local infrastructure and support the growth of jobs and housing in the area, especially around the Royal Docks. Over 36,000 new homes and 55,000 jobs will be created in the area in the coming years, helping local businesses and communities thrive.

Conclusion

Starting in April 2025, using the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels will be charged, but discounts and free services will also be available to help local residents. The Silvertown Tunnel will make crossing the river quicker, with more buses and a special cycle shuttle. Whether you drive, cycle, or take the bus, these changes are designed to make your travel smoother and more eco-friendly.