Silvertown Tunnel

This twin-bore road tunnel under the Thames in east London will link Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula. We expect construction to begin in 2020, with the new tunnel opening from 2025.

The scheme will reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and improve the reliability and resilience of the wider road network. It will also transform East London's cross-river bus network.

The RiverLinx consortium was appointed to design, build, finance and maintain the Silvertown Tunnel after a competitive procurement process. The consortium is made up of Aberdeen Standard Investments, BAM PPP PGGM, Cintra, Macquarie Capital and SK Engineering & Construction.

The contract has been published as part of our commitment to transparency. See the Silvertown Tunnel project agreement.

We will only start paying the consortium once the tunnel is open and available for use. We will also be able to reduce payments if the tunnel doesn't meet certain standards, such as being available for traffic.

What we're doing

Since we got permission for the tunnel in May 2018 we have worked with landowners to agree how to acquire the land needed. We are also talking to local boroughs and stakeholders about construction logistics and access requirements for residents, visitors and local businesses.

The appointed consortium will regularly update on construction progress. We will also explain to local residents and businesses how we plan to minimise the environmental impact of the work.

User charges and air quality

Once the Silvertown Tunnel opens, drivers must pay a user charge for using either the Blackwall or the Silvertown Tunnel. The exact charge levels for various types of vehicles using the new tunnel will be decided closer to the opening date.

This user charge will pay for building and maintaining the tunnel - it's a legal requirement of the planning approvals and has to be in place when the tunnel opens. Any surplus will be reinvested into public transport across London.

Without the Silvertown Tunnel, congestion and air quality around the Blackwall Tunnel are predicted to get worse as London's population grows.

Our air quality modelling shows there may be a small localised impact - we will put in measures to make sure any increase is minimised. We will keep modelling and monitoring to prevent air quality getting any worse than we forecast in our Environmental Statement.

Both tunnels and the surrounding area will also fall within the Ultra Low Emission Zone from October 2021. Vehicles need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or their drivers must pay if they drive within the zone.

Construction works

Our plan is that:

Most of the construction material will be transported by river
All on-site construction machinery will meet the Mayor's Non-Road Mobile Machinery Low Emission Zone Standards
Any vehicles working on the scheme will be Euro VI and comply with the Mayor's Direct Vision Standard

We are also legally committed to a wide range of improvements and measures to reduce the impact of the new tunnel and support the wider local area.

These include:

£1m worth of support for local businesses to help them adapt to the user charge when the Silvertown Tunnel is operational. This could include helping businesses with staff travel planning or funding potential infrastructure such as cycle racks and electric vehicle charging points
Extensive monitoring, particularly around air quality, done both before and after the opening of the tunnel. Regular reports will be published online and if readings suggest impacts are worse than originally anticipated, we will review what else we can do to address them
A user-charging discount to specifically help low-income residents in the host boroughs of Greenwich, Newham and Tower Hamlets. This could look similar to the existing TfL Bus & Tram Travelcard which offers a 50% discount on public transport for those who get certain state benefits. Also there could be free account registration for the road user charge for local residents in the host boroughs for the first year
£2m in bus concessions for local residents to help promote the new cross-river bus services which will run through the tunnel, as well as supporting them to move away from unnecessary private car use. We will also enhance river crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians across the local area

If you have any questions about the Silvertown Tunnel scheme, please email rivercrossings@tfl.gov.uk.

Benefits of the scheme

The Silvertown Tunnel will connect to the A1020 Silvertown Way/Lower Lea Crossing on the north side and to the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Approach on the south side. The tunnel generally follows the alignment of the Emirates Air Line cable car.

The population and traffic will increase in this area of London because of major developments underway and planned on Greenwich Peninsula and at the Royal Docks, Stratford and Barking Riverside.

The Silvertown Tunnel will offer a more reliable crossing, ensuring goods and services can continue to move around London. It will:

Help to reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel - for example by cutting unplanned closures caused by vehicles which are too tall for the tunnel
Offer a nearby alternative to the Blackwall Tunnel
Allow for new cross-river bus links - all of which should be running zero-emission buses from launch
Reduce the environmental impact of traffic congestion on some of London's most polluted roads
Improve journey times and make travel, deliveries and servicing more reliable
Improve access to new markets and new homes and keep traffic moving in east and southeast London
Create opportunities for new jobs in the local area.

Our short film explains why the Silvertown Tunnel scheme is needed.

Watch our 'drive through' film to see how the new tunnel would link to the existing road network.

Timeline

April 2016: We applied to the Secretary of State for Transport for the DCO
2016-2017: Hearing and examination process
May 2018: DCO given the go ahead by the DfT
February-October 2018: Ground and river survey work
Spring 2019: Preferred contractor announced
November 2019: Contract awarded
2020: Construction begins
2025: Planned opening of the new tunnel

Permission for the tunnel

In May 2018, we were granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) by the Department for Transport. The DCO is the formal process by which the Government gives the green light to any development categorised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

The Secretary of State's decision letter as well as our application documents are on the Planning Inspectorate website.

Document archive

We held a consultation on the Silvertown Tunnel scheme October-November 2015 and before that October-December 2014.

Consultation October-November 2015

Supporting documents

These documents are intended to help explain the Silvertown Tunnel scheme in more detail to a non-technical audience. Our consultation booklet provides an overview of all the key elements and effects of the scheme.

The 'Guide to the consultation documents' sets out a plain English summary of the purpose, methodology and main findings of each of the technical reports.

The following documents outline our assessment of a range of alternative options for addressing the challenges at the Blackwall Tunnel and what effect the Silvertown Tunnel scheme might have on users of the River Thames.

The 'Statement of community consultation' explains other ways you can access the documents on this page, as well as how to contact us and register your views.

Statement of community consultation

PDF 1.09MB

Main case

These reports are part of a suite of documents that support the statutory public consultation for the Silvertown Tunnel scheme. Among other issues they set out the impacts and benefits of the scheme.

Preliminary case for the scheme

Sets out how the Silvertown Tunnel scheme was developed and the main alternatives that were considered. It outlines the benefits of the scheme and how it meets its objectives.

Also includes in Appendix C our 'Preliminary monitoring and mitigation strategy'. This sets out how we would monitor traffic, air quality and noise levels.

Preliminary case for the scheme

PDF 5.80MB

Preliminary charging report

Outlines the user charging proposals for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels and sets out TfL's reasons for proposing user charging, the proposed structure and implementation of the charge and the objectives TfL would take into account in setting the charge and varying it in the future.

Preliminary charging report

PDF 700KB

Preliminary transport assessment

Details the main transport impacts of the scheme for all forms of travel and what measures would be taken to minimise any adverse impacts. It also examines road network impacts and impacts on public transport networks and walking and cycling.

Preliminary design and access statement

Sets out the outline scheme design. It demonstrates why it is a suitable response to the site and its setting, taking into account existing and future planned development and that it can be adequately and safely accessed. It also sets out the design principles which will inform the detailed design, providing examples of how the scheme may develop in the future.

Preliminary engineering report

Explains the proposed design of the scheme from an engineering perspective and sets out the assumed method of construction.

Preliminary maps, plans and drawings

Displays the physical elements of the scheme. It includes:

A location map
Plans showing the proposed works and how these tie-in to the existing highway network
An outline of the land required for the safe construction and operation of the scheme
A series of engineering cross-sections through the tunnels and tunnel approach roads

Preliminary maps, plans and drawings

PDF 20.61MB

Preliminary environmental information report (PEIR)

Describes the scheme and the main alternatives considered. A non-technical summary of the PEIR is also available - it summarises the PEIR in plain English.

The PEIR sets out the environmental baseline information, provides an assessment of likely environmental effects and, where necessary, describes mitigation measures that would avoid, reduce or offset the adverse environmental effects.

PEIR technical drawings

The PEIR includes a number of technical drawings referenced in each chapter.

PEIR appendices

The PEIR also includes several appendices. These include:

A framework for managing and controlling possible impacts arising from the construction of the scheme
The means by which waste would be managed and minimised
The opportunities for minimising CO2 emissions during construction and operation of the tunnel

Appendix 1.A National networks national policy statement compliance (PDF 254KB)
Appendix 3.A Options summary table (PDF 266KB)
Appendix 4.A Preliminary code of construction practice (PDF 707KB)
Appendix 4.B Navigational risk assessment (PDF 3.1MB)
Appendix 4.C Preliminary maps, plans and drawings (PDF 20.6MB)
Appendix 5.A Scoping response table (PDF 868KB)
Appendix 6.A Air quality impacts - Verification (PDF 369KB)
Appendix 8.A Cultural heritage impacts - Gazetteer of heritage assets (PDF 214KB)
Appendix 8.B Cultural impacts - Geoarchaeological modelling (PDF 4.5MB)
Appendix 9.A Terrestrial ecology - Target notes and dedicated species assessments for reptiles, black redstart and bats (PDF 1.1MB)
Appendix 9.B Terrestrial ecology - Invertebrates survey report (PDF 692KB)
Appendix 9.C Terrestrial ecology - Habitat regulations assessment (PDF 772KB)
Appendix 10.A Marine ecology - Water framework directive assessment (PDF 243KB)
Appendix 11.A Effects on all travellers - Baseline existing highway network on approach to the scheme (PDF 277KB)
Appendix 11.B Effects on all travellers - Summary of predicted 2021 traffic flow percentage increases for the scheme (PDF 238KB)
Appendix 11.C Effects on all travellers - Summary of predicted 2036 traffic flow percentage increases for the scheme (PDF 245KB)
Appendix 12.A Geology and soils - Borehole location plan (PDF 3.2MB)
Appendix 13.A Site waste management plan (PDF 2.4MB)
Appendix 14.A Noise and vibration - Construction noise (PDF 26.5MB)
Appendix 14.B Noise and vibration - Noise baseline monitoring data (PDF 3.6MB)
Appendix 14.C Noise and vibration - Vibration and groundborne noise from the tunnel boring machine (PDF 1.2MB)
Appendix 14.D Noise and vibration - Ventilation noise (PDF 805KB)
Appendix 15.A Townscape & visual amenity - Tunnel approach street lighting design (PDF 1.3MB)
Appendix 16.A Water - Flood risk assessment (PDF 14.1MB)
Appendix 16.B Water - Hydrodynamics assessment (PDF 5.3MB)
Appendix 16.C Water - Flood warning and evacuation plan (PDF 438KB)
Appendix 16.D Water - River wall condition survey (PDF 7.7MB)
Appendix 17.A Cumulative effects - Base case and cumulatives project tables (PDF 247KB)

Preliminary sustainability statement

An appraisal of the scheme's sustainability credentials. It assesses the scheme using a number of methods, including TfL's Sustainability Assessment Toolkit.

Preliminary sustainability statement

PDF 2.85MB

Preliminary energy statement

Assesses the opportunities for minimising CO2 emissions during construction and operation of the tunnel. It considers the implementation of passive design measures, energy efficiency, and low and zero carbon technologies.

Preliminary energy statement

PDF 1.32MB

Preliminary equality impact assessment

Assesses the scheme's potential impacts on equalities groups. The assessment outlines potential mitigation measures to achieve a positive impact.

Preliminary equality impact assessment

PDF 3.14MB

Preliminary health impact assessment

Assesses the scheme's impact on human health and wellbeing. The HIA seeks to recommend mitigation that may improve health and reduce inequalities in health.

Preliminary health impact assessment

PDF 3.37MB

Preliminary outline business case

Sets out the outline business case for the scheme and assesses:

Its strategic need and compliance with public policy
Its value for money
Whether it is commercially viable and can be financed
Whether TfL has the capacity and ability to deliver the scheme

We have also included a number of appendices to the outline business case. These consider:

The extent to which the scheme could affect specific social groups
The social impacts the scheme could bring about
The analysis undertaken for the scheme's economic case
An assessment of how the scheme would affect economic activity at a local, sub-regional, and London level

Background reports

These reports contain supplementary information about the Silvertown Tunnel scheme or its impacts. We have published them because they are referenced in some of the reports included in the Main case section.

Health impact assessment (HIA) scoping opinion

Sets out the matters that were identified as relevant for consideration in the HIA and a proposed scope and methodology. This was consulted on with relevant health related stakeholders and the results of this informed the development of the preliminary HIA.

HIA scoping report

PDF 688KB

Silvertown Tunnel business survey

We commissioned market research to provide updated information on the opinions of businesses on the Silvertown Tunnel scheme.

Silvertown Tunnel business survey 2013-2015

PDF 1.76MB

Consultation October-December 2014

Consultation launch event

On 15 October 2014, we held an event to launch our consultation on the Silvertown Tunnel scheme. The slides we used and a short paper with some notes about the event are available here.

Outcomes of the consultation

In March 2015 we published a consultation report, setting out the range of issues raised in the consultation held at the end of 2014. In June 2015 we then published a 'Responses to issues raised' report, setting out our response to these issues.

Analysis and impacts

This section contains historical reports relating to the need for a crossing to relieve congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and resolve other issues; the options we considered for addressing these problems; the case for a new tunnel and the impacts the tunnel might have.

Assessment of needs and options

Outlines the need for a new river crossing and assesses eight potential new crossing options to identify a preferred solution

Silvertown Crossing assessment of needs and options

PDF 7.40MB

Outline business case

Sets out the evidence for investing in a new crossing to address the congestion and road network resilience issues at the Blackwall Tunnel - it considers alternative options for addressing these issues and comments on the benefits that a new tunnel, with associated user charging, would provide, and presents an economic appraisal of the proposed tunnel scheme and includes an outline of the financing and procurement strategy

Introductory assessment reports

Four reports that:

Consider the existing transport network and travel demand in east and south-east London, with a specific focus on demand for river crossings - assessing the impacts of the proposed tunnel on transport, including construction impacts and also presenting potential mitigating measures
Outline our initial assessment of the equalities impacts of the scheme
Outline our initial assessment of the impact of the scheme on health
Summarise environmental work undertaken to date as part of the environmental impact assessment process for the proposed tunnel and include an initial indication of the environmental impacts of the scheme and potential mitigation measures (includes five appendices with drawings)

Traffic forecasting report

Presents the traffic impacts of the Silvertown Tunnel, examining background traffic growth, changes in traffic and related delay and the origins of trips using river crossings, among other areas

Silvertown Tunnel traffic forecasting report

PDF 18.38MB

User charging

Sets out TfL's emerging approach to user charging, setting out the reasons for charging, the anticipated effects of charging and our outline charging proposal

Draft outline strategy for user charging at Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels

PDF 346KB

Historical reports

This section contains:

Historical reports
Reports that support the documents in the Main case section and outline the principle impacts of the tunnel and the case for building a new crossing
Documents that deal with the process of considering options for new crossings

Environmental impact assessment

Outlines the proposed methodology to be used to assess the environmental impacts of the scheme and the information that will be included within the Environmental statement - it was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for comment on 25 June 2014

Environmental impact assessment scoping report

PDF 29.28MB

Scoping opinion

Contains the scoping opinion as provided by the Secretary of State in respect of the proposed content and methodology of the Environmental statement for the Silvertown Tunnel - it was provided to TfL following submission and consideration of the Environmental impact assessment scoping report in June 2014

Scoping opinion: proposed Silvertown Tunnel

PDF 6.91MB

River crossings development study

Assesses how a number of proposed options for new river crossings (in combination with other transport and regeneration initiatives) could bring about job creation and delivery of new homes

River crossings development study final report

PDF 10.70MB

River crossings business survey

Reports on the outcome of a survey conducted with 800 businesses in eight east London boroughs, to gauge their reaction to proposals for new river crossings

River crossings business survey

PDF 4.49MB

New Thames rivers crossing

Five reports that:

Examine the engineering feasibility of options for new river crossings in east London
Investigate the feasibility of a road-tunnel crossing at Silvertown
Explore options for providing emergency escape and pedestrian access in the tunnel
Set out the rationale behind the chosen highway alignment and how the route selection process accommodated the Emirates Air Line cable car
Summarise the findings of a sustainability appraisal to review a number of options for new river crossings for east London

Tunnel engineering

Presents studies into both bored and immersed-tube tunnels as options for building a new tunnel at Silvertown, and further develops the concept of a bored tunnel approach at Silvertown

Topographical survey

Outlines the outputs of a topographical survey undertaken in the vicinity of the proposed scheme

Silvertown crossing study: Topographical survey

PDF 35.22MB

Ground investigation desk study

Three reports setting out:

Proposed studies for a ground investigation at Silvertown and Gallions Reach
Details of the ground investigation desk study into a number of potential river crossing options
Geotechnical considerations of a number of potential river crossings

Phase 1 - Contamination assessment

Assesses contamination risks associated with building a tunnel at Silvertown

River crossings: Phase 1 - Contamination assessment

PDF 10.53MB

Highway infrastructure design

Builds on previous studies to investigate the highway connections necessary between the proposed Silvertown Tunnel and the existing road network to the north and south

Tunnel engineering: Addendum A

Focuses on three potential adaptations to determine the impact of the Silvertown Tunnel scheme on costings and development on the Greenwich Peninsula

Tunnel engineering: Addendum A option report

PDF 11.35MB

Silvertown Tunnel options study

Describes baseline environmental conditions in the vicinity of the Silvertown area and identifies risks associated with the project

Silvertown Tunnel options study

PDF 28.87MB

Development impacts study

Outlines a study into the land-use impacts of various potential crossing options, including an assessment of the impact of each option on development capacity, value and planning risk

Silvertown Tunnel development impacts study

PDF 2.39MB

Tunnel options

Summarises the output of work to compare options for constructing a tunnel at Silvertown

Summary and comparison of tunnel options

PDF 205KB

Independent peer review group

Outlines the outcome of an independent expert scrutiny of the Silvertown Tunnel project and the decision to progress the scheme as a bored tunnel rather than immersed tube

Independent peer review group - Report to TfL river crossings sponsor group

PDF 163KB

East London river crossings

Details the need for additional river crossings for London and looks at potential options for resolving the needs identified - two reports

2012 informal consultation

Summarises the outcome of a consultation into the river crossings programme undertaken between 6 February and 5 March 2012

Report to the Mayor on 2012 informal consultation

PDF 1.01MB

River crossings consultation

Summarises the outcome of a further consultation on the river crossings programme undertaken between 29 October 2012 and 1 February 2013

River crossings consultation report

PDF 810KB

Base year development & validation

Sets out the key features of the 2012 base year traffic assignment model and examines calibration and validation data, trip matrix development and route choice, among other topics

Base year development and validation report

PDF 33.69MB

Base year model audit

PDF 2.80MB

Technical drawings

This section includes technical engineering drawings of the proposed tunnel.

Reference design

PDF 4.25MB