Silvertown Tunnel

We're building a tunnel under the Thames linking Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London. The tunnel - which we plan to open in 2025 - will help reduce chronic congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and allow for better public transport links, including more cross-river bus journeys.

Building the Silvertown Tunnel

This new 1.4km twin-bore road tunnel under the Thames will be the first in London in over 30 years. A modern tunnel combined with a user charge and improved cross-river public transport will improve the reliability and resilience of the wider road network.

Our plans also include improvements for walking, cycling and the areas near the tunnel entrances as part of major regeneration of both sides of the river.

Blackwall Tunnel

Incidents with larger, unsuitable vehicles frequently cause delays and closures of the Victorian-built Blackwall Tunnel. Idling traffic builds up, often leading to tailbacks of several miles in just a few minutes. This increases journey times as drivers choose longer routes to avoid the tunnel.

The Silvertown Tunnel scheme will eliminate this chronic congestion in east London and will improve journey times and keep traffic moving efficiently.

Benefits of the scheme

When it opens in 2025 the Silvertown Tunnel will:

Effectively eliminate delays and queues at the Blackwall Tunnel, with journey times up to 20 minutes faster
Reduce the environmental impact of traffic congestion on some of London's most polluted roads
Provide more opportunities to cross the river by public transport with a network of zero-emission buses offering new routes and better access to more destinations

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.

How we're doing it

RiverLinx consortium won the bid 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.

Construction of the scheme follows the Silvertown Tunnel Code of Construction Practice (CoCP).

To reduce the carbon emissions generated by construction, Riverlinx is committed to ensuring that:

The river is used as much as possible to transport construction materials, removing thousands of lorries from local roads
All on-site construction machinery meets the Mayor's Non-Road Mobile Machinery Low Emission Zone standards
All vehicles working on the scheme are Euro VI and comply with the Mayor's Direct Vision Standard

What we've done so far

Since construction work started in 2020, we have set up worksites in Newham and Greenwich and also completed:

The launch chamber on the Newham site for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) - this is where it will start to dig out the southbound tunnel towards Greenwich
Strengthening of the river wall so the TBM can pass underneath - this has improved flood defences in line with the Thames Estuary 2100 plan
A decked car park to be used temporarily by the O2 during the main construction phase
A coach park for local events industry use during the works
Geotechnical surveys and in-river ground investigations
Demolition works and utility diversions

We're currently assembling the TBM in the launch chamber ahead of tunnelling:

The first pieces of the TBM have been lowered into the launch chamber
Each lift down into the chamber takes approximately two hours - around twenty lifting operations are needed to fully lower all the parts into the launch chamber

We're also working to:

Excavate the rotation chamber in Greenwich (where the TBM will turn 180 degrees to return for the northbound tunnel) and the retrieval chamber in Newham (where it will finish and be disassembled)
Prepare for the Boord Street bridge works

Silvertown Tunnel First TBM parts lowered into launch chamber
Silvertown Tunnel Tunnel boring machine
Silvertown Tunnel Tunnel boring machine

Tunnel Boring Machine

Our TBM has been specially manufactured for the scheme and is the largest by diameter to ever be used in the UK.

Cutter-face or shield diameter: 11.91 metres, equivalent to nearly three double decker buses
Length (when fully assembled): approximately 82 metres
Weight (when fully assembled): 1,800 tonnes (1,200 tonnes of this is the shield which makes it 95 times heavier than a double decker bus)

The weight of the components, and the location of the sites, means barge journeys along the Thames as well as lorries were needed to transport them to site. Our aim is to minimise road use and make best use of river transportation.

Naming the TBM

It's traditional in tunnelling projects to give the TBM a female name in honour of someone who has made an outstanding contribution to her sector or community.

Riverlinx will call this TBM 'Jill' in honour of Jill Viner - the first female to drive a London bus in June 1974. Jill Viner is a fitting choice because of the new cross-river bus opportunities the tunnel will create, plus Jill's contribution to the history of women bus drivers in London and equality within the transport industry.

Next steps

We're on schedule to start digging the first bore in summer 2022. Once tunnelling works begin, at approximately seven metres below the riverbed, it will take several months to reach Greenwich. Then TBM Jill will be turned to make her return journey to Newham.

The total drive will be 2,244 metres and when finished it will have excavated nearly 600,000 tonnes of material to form the tunnel. This will all be moved by barge to keep construction traffic to a minimum.

Other construction works

The Silvertown Tunnel scheme includes several above-ground developments including new buildings and other structures as well as landscaping on both sides of the river. These are currently in the design and development stage with final design approvals yet to be agreed.

Boord Street bridge

The proposed Boord Street pedestrian and cycle bridge will replace the current concrete footbridge that crosses the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Approach Road - the new bridge will be approximately 40m further south. Designed to be fully accessible, the new bridge will play an important role in connecting the existing pedestrian and cycle network across the Greenwich Peninsula.

Portal buildings

Designs have been developed for two 'portal buildings' above the entrances of the tunnel on each side of the Thames. These will house the operations centre to manage and maintain the tunnel in the future.

Designs include green roof-top gardens to encourage biodiversity and create attractive views.

Silvertown Tunnel Newham portal
Silvertown Tunnel Greenwich portal
Silvertown Tunnel Greenwich portal

Silvertown Tunnel Implementation Group

The Silvertown Tunnel Implementation Group (STIG) was set up under the terms of the Development Consent Order (DCO) issued by the Department for Transport. It includes representatives from London's boroughs, the GLA and National Highways.

We are required to consult with STIG on matters around planning and operating the scheme. This includes air quality and traffic monitoring, the setting of user charges and proposals for the new bus services.

Papers from STIG meetings are on the Silvertown Tunnel Implementation Group page.

User charges

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 - but its main purpose is to help us manage traffic levels. (It's a legal requirement of the planning approvals to have this in place when the tunnel opens.) Any surplus revenue will be reinvested in London's transport network.

We will only start paying the Riverlinx 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.

Air quality

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

User charges for the new tunnel, as well as the new cross-river bus network, will help us manage the environmental impact of the scheme. We are committed to ensuring the scheme delivers an overall improvement on air quality.

Both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels, and the surrounding area, now fall within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Vehicles need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or their drivers must pay if they drive within the zone. These measures will improve air quality in the area even before the new tunnel opens.

We are updating forecasts for changes in traffic, air quality, noise and other impacts. As part of this work, we have installed 38 new air quality monitors in the boroughs of Greenwich, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Lewisham. Three of the air quality monitoring points measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2) continuously - findings are updated every 15 minutes on the London Air Quality Network website.

We will keep modelling and monitoring before and after the opening of the tunnel and will publish reports online. If readings suggest impacts will be worse than our forecasts, we will act to reduce them.

Supporting local residents and businesses

We are 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 private car use wherever possible. We will also enhance river crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians across the local area

Timeline

April 2016: We apply to the Secretary of State for Transport for the DCO
2016-2017: Hearing and examination process
May 2018: DCO gives the go ahead by the DfT
February-October 2018: Ground and river survey work
2019: Preferred contractor announced and contract awarded
2020: Main construction activity starts
Spring 2022: TBM is assembled
Summer 2022: Tunnelling begins southbound towards Greenwich
Winter 2022: TBM turns and tunnelling begins northwards
2023: Opening user charges and cross-river bus network proposals developed
2024: Registration opens for user-charging accounts (for both Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels)
2025: Planned opening of the new tunnel

Permission for the tunnel

We were granted the DCO in May 2018. 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.

Planning conditions

We have to meet certain planning conditions before we can go ahead with the development granted by the DCO.

These are set out in the Silvertown Tunnel Order 2018 under Schedule 2 Requirements.

You can view and comment on our applications to meet these requirements by searching for Silvertown Tunnel on the:

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

Contact us

Any questions about the project?

Email: silvertowntunnel@tfl.gov.uk

Construction issues:

Email: help@riverlinxcjv.co.uk

Riverlinx 24/7 Helpdesk: 07907 978 486