New road tunnel in London

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that the new Silvertown Tunnel will open on 7 April, 2025. The new tunnel, close to the existing Blackwall Tunnel, is expected to increase capacity in the area by up to 30,000 vehicles a day.

Controversially, TfL is imposing a toll on both tunnels to cover the costs.  HGVs will be charged up to £10 per crossing depending on the time of day.  The Blackwall Tunnel has been toll-free since it was opened in the 1890s. 

Stuart Harvey, Chief Capital Officer at Transport for London said: “”The new tunnel, along with the initial user charges, discounts and exemptions, will support growth in the local area and provide new public transport connections across the river. These measures will also help manage traffic demand as well as the environmental impacts, and ensure the new tunnel delivers on its objectives of reducing traffic congestion and providing resilience at the Blackwall Tunnel.”

Throughout the construction of the new tunnel, which began in 2021, more than 1,860,000 tonnes of material have been transported to and from the site via river rather than using roads – helping to remove around 110,000 lorry trips from local roads around the construction site. 

Photo: Silvertown Tunnel.