TfL Ref: FOI-0382-2425

Thank you for your request which we received on 2 May 2024, asking about Rotherhithe tunnel closure.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked: 

Yesterday (1 May 2024 at around 11.30am) I drove to the Rotherhithe tunnel only to find when I got there that it was closed, forcing me to make a lengthy detour over Tower Bridge. I want to avoid this in future. Therefore please tell me how I can check for unscheduled Rotherhithe tunnel closures before setting out on a journey. Which websites or travel services are most likely to have this information in real time. I’m not talking about routine or planned closures but rather unscheduled closures like the one which happened yesterday. In addition, please supply to me the reason for yesterday’s closure.

The Rotherhithe tunnel was closed on 1 May between 10:16 and 10:42 and again between 11:18 and 11:47 due to an equipment failure which breached the minimum operating requirements needed to operate the tunnel safely.

Unscheduled closures of the Rotherhithe tunnel will appear on the TfL website and the information about closures is shared with major sat-nav companies. Media outlets also make use of our information which they may choose to publicise in their travel and traffic bulletins. 

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright. 

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall 

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London