Request ID: FOI-2013-2324 Date published: 11 October 2023
You asked
Related to
1. The permission granted to Riverlinx for the engineering works
2. Impact assessment on disruption during these works and plans to alleviate
3. Transport and travel planning for the Big Half
4. Pollution recordings at the nearest monitoring stations to Bow (east and west of this location) daily over the last 14 days
Clarification received re point 1, 14/09/2023: I would like details on the agreement between TFL and Riverlinx for the work on Sunday 3 September. Ie details of the agreed work to be carried out, lengths of work and impact on traffic flows.
I assume my other requests are not on hold whilst you have waited for clarity on point 1, and therefore information will be communicated on these points within the time frame.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2013-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 8th September 2023 asking for information about the Blackwall tunnel. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked:
“Blackwall tunnel southbound 3.9.23:
Related to
1. The permission granted to Riverlinx for the engineering works 2. Impact assessment on disruption during these works and plans to alleviate 3. Transport and travel planning for the Big Half 4. Pollution recordings at the nearest monitoring stations to Bow (east and west of this location) daily over the last 14 days”
I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below, following your numbering above:
1: In accordance with the Traffic Management Act 2004, TfL have a duty to manage traffic on the highway network. Managing the network assists with keeping traffic moving and reducing congestion. Any event that has the potential for disruption must consult with the highway authority. Riverlinx submitted their proposals which were assessed and accepted by TfL, as per the decision letter (attached). Following this approval Riverlinx were required to comply with the London Permit Scheme by submitting a permit application to book the road space for the works. This was reviewed and granted by TfL under ref YG66040338730-02 for works to commence on 03 September 2013, which can be viewed via https://one.network/
2: No modelling was undertaken for the weekend closures to facilitate Silvertown works at Blackwall Tunnel. We are able to use historic traffic data to ascertain expected areas of impact from traffic reassigning when, for example, we have had previous Blackwall planned and unplanned closures. Our network managers use their network knowledge to prepare traffic signal plans to mitigate impact by providing additional green times to approaches and changing cycle times. We also have dedicated teams in our 24/7 network management control room that monitor the network in real time.
3: The responsibility for transport and travel planning for the Big Half is with the event organiser and the local authority. A full and comprehensive traffic management plan designed and developed since the events inception in 2018 was implemented and operationally delivered for this year’s event. All diversion routes and closures around the event footprint were carefully considered, and bespoke traffic planning measures and congestion mitigations including the use of traffic signals, were utilised throughout event delivery to assist. In relation to Blackwall Tunnel, on event day a scheduled closure of lane one (of two) was in force due to the ongoing Silvertown Tunnel works. This was factored in to the operational delivery strategy.
For major roadworks on the TfL network, TfL publishes details on its website and travel alerts can be sent to customers who request them; both details can be found via the following link: https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/travel-tools . Our contractor Riverlinx will also provide details of roadworks relating to the Silvertown tunnel project via their website https://www.riverlinx.co.uk/
In advance of Blackwall Tunnel closures, TfL issues various communications to ensure customers are aware of the closures. Details of these closures and other major works and events are also published here: https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events We also share updates with third party app developers and commercial road users to help ensure awareness of the closures and encourage alternative routes. Customers can register for email alerts here: https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/travel-tools .
Our contractor Riverlinx provides details of roadworks relating to the Silvertown tunnel project via their website https://www.riverlinx.co.uk/ . They also distribute a local Information sheet to c10,000 local homes and businesses to inform them about works planned in the quarter ahead and what to expect. Updates are also provided via their social media accounts on Twitter (x) and LinkedIn. Riverlinx also host quarterly Community Liaison Group meetings in both Newham and Greenwich where local residents are welcome to attend, receive updates on works and raise any issues they may have. Details of how to attend are available on their website, to register your interest email [email protected] .
The Blackwall Tunnel has suffered from chronic congestion for many years and is on average closed 700 times a year. When issues occur there are few other options to cross the river in east London and so to improve the resilience of river crossings in the area, we are building the Silvertown Tunnel. While we appreciate adding more closures to the Blackwall Tunnel is disruptive and frustrating, ultimately we are working to solve this problem, and when open in 2025 we are confident the new Silvertown Tunnel will significantly improve journey times and reduce the regular queues experienced.
4: Air quality data for London can be found via the following external websites:
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
