Transport for London has announced the Blackwall Tunnel will be closed to southbound traffic from 00:01 on Saturday 24 June until 05:00 on Monday 26 June in order to allow the removal of a 1960s footbridge across the A102.
The works, which are linked to the Silvertown Tunnel, will allow for the removal of the existing 1960s footbridge across the A102, which is being replaced with a new, fully accessible bridge built to modern design standards with improved lighting. The new bridge will provide a safe and accessible crossing for those walking and cycling, including those using cargo bikes, across the Greenwich Peninsula, with future neighbouring development proposals in mind. The new bridge will open to the public via a temporary ramp shortly and ahead of the removal of the existing bridge, therefore providing continuous access across the A102.
From 00:01 on Saturday 24 June, the Blackwall Tunnel will be closed for southbound traffic and traffic will be required to take alternative routes. Drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance, checking before they travel so they can consider any other potential traffic impacts or restrictions, such as the 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. However, to help reduce the burden on other river crossings, the Woolwich Ferry will also operate a special service every 15/20 minutes across the weekend between 07:00 and 18:00.
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 and are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid additional delays.
TfL is also pre-warning drivers that there will be a further weekend closure of the southbound tunnel in early July to provide surface water drainage of the new road layout which will be tied into the existing drainage system around the Greenwich Peninsula. TfL will also use the closure to divert utilities underneath the A102 which will allow the new road layout for the tunnel to be constructed without disrupting these services. TfL is currently planning to carry out these works across the weekend of the 8-10 July (subject to final approvals). Northbound traffic through the Blackwall Tunnel will not be affected by this closure as traffic will be diverted through the southbound tunnel, but they are advised to seek alternative routes where possible across the weekend to avoid any additional delays.
(Picture – TfL)
