Blackwall Tunnel June and July weekend closures planned

Drivers are being warned of upcoming closures to southbound traffic in the Blackwall Tunnel southbound.

Here is what you need to know about Transport for London’s (TfL) planned closures:

June 24-26

Blackwall Tunnel will be closed to southbound traffic from midnight on Saturday, June 24 to 5am on Monday, June 26.

This is to facilitate the removal of the 1960s footbridge across the A102.

The existing footbridge will be replaced with a new, fully accessible bridge built to modern design standards with improved lighting.

The new bridge will soon open to the public via a temporary ramp.

This will happen ahead of the removal of the existing bridge in order to provide continuous access across the A102.

The new footbridge aims to provide safe and accessible crossing for those walking and cycling (Image: TfL)

Drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance, considering any potential traffic impacts or restrictions.

These include height and weight limits at Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge, both of which are outside the Congestion Charge zone.

Drivers of HGVs, as well as vans more than two metres in height or weighing more than two tonnes, are advised to consider routes away from central London across the weekend where possible.

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To help reduce the burden on other river crossings, the Woolwich Ferry will also operate a special service every 15 to 20 minutes across the weekend between 7am and 6pm.

The northbound Blackwall Tunnel will not be affected by this closure, but drivers will be subject to local signed diversions on Saturday night while the main bridge span is removed over the existing carriageway.

They are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid additional delays.

July 8-10

TfL is also pre-warning drivers that there is set to be a further weekend closure of the southbound tunnel in early July.

This is to allow surface water drainage of the new road layout which will be tied into the existing drainage system around the Greenwich Peninsula.

The closure will also be used to divert utilities underneath the A102 which will allow the new road layout for the tunnel to be constructed without disrupting these services.

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TfL is currently planning to carry out these works across the weekend of July 8-10 although this is subject to final approvals.

Northbound traffic through Blackwall Tunnel will not be affected by the closure but drivers are advised to seek alternative routes where possible to avoid additional delays.

Bus routes

The route 108, the only bus route that operates through the Blackwall Tunnel, will be split in two, operating between both Lewisham and North Greenwich and between Canning Town and Stratford.

There will be alternative arrangements put in place on Sunday night into Monday morning.

Customers are advised to then change onto the Jubilee line to cross the river to complete their journeys.

The mayor of London’s Hopper fare will mean that customers won’t be charged for any additional bus journeys on the other side of the river, providing they begin within an hour of touching in on the first bus.

During the closures, TfL said it will also ensure that customers of the route 108 who then use the Jubilee line as part of their journey over the weekend will avoid being charged for the Tube section of their journey. 

From midnight on both Monday 26 June and Monday 10 July, northbound buses will return to their normal route and southbound buses will be diverted via Tower Bridge until the tunnel is re-opened to southbound traffic.

Carl Eddleston, director of network management and resilience at TfL, said: “The Blackwall Tunnel is used by tens of thousands of vehicles every day and we appreciate that these works will have an impact on some drivers.

“Working with Riverlinx CJV, we have worked hard to try and limit the potential disruption these will cause, such as putting on a special service for the Woolwich Ferry and ensuring a northbound route can be maintained across the two weekends.

“We will also be taking the opportunity to carry out works within and around the tunnel to help deliver future maintenance work more efficiently and ensure it continues to safely operate.”