Transport for London (TfL) has announced the Silvertown Tunnel opening date. The tunnel is to open on 7 April 2025, connecting east London’s Newham to the Greenwich Peninsula.
The £1.4km tunnel, which has been under construction since 2021, promises to reduce journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak hours. First announced in 2012, the tunnel aims to make journeys faster and more reliable, with average journey time savings expected to be up to 20 minutes at peak times.
However, the project isn’t without controversy with some locals, campaigners and MPS claiming make London’s environmental woes even worse and increase congestions.
Cyclists will benefit from a separate dedicated shuttle service
TfL says the new crossing will tackle chronic congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel, which currently faces more than 700 closures annually. The Victorian-era tunnel’s frequent closures result in significant tailbacks and poor air quality.
A key feature of the project is the introduction of new bus routes, which will be free for the first year. The number of buses crossing the river in the area will increase from six to 21 per hour, with all vehicles being zero-emission. For at least 12 months from 7 April 2025, the new cross-river bus routes serving Greenwich, Newham, and Tower Hamlets – including the new Superloop SL4 which runs from Grove Park to Canary Wharf, will be free.
Cyclists will benefit from a separate dedicated shuttle service because they can’t cross the bridge due to safety reasons. They will have a bespoke design to distinguish them from the regular bus network. The service will operate every 12 minutes, seven days a week from 06:30 to 21:30. It will have two stops, one on each side of the river, with the ‘north’ stop located on Seagull Lane close to Royal Victoria DLR station, and the ‘south’ stop located on Millennium Way near the junction with Old School Close.
Users of both the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels will face charges between 06:00 and 10pm daily. An off-peak rate of £1.50 will apply for vehicles registered with TfL Auto Pay, with higher rates during peak hours.
Converted electric buses will transport cyclists as it’s too dangerous for them to cycle through the tunnel
(Image: TfL)
However, TfL has announced various concessions, including a 50% discount for low-income residents in 12 east and southeast London boroughs and the City of London. Blue badge holders, London taxis, and NHS staff will be exempt from charges.
Stagecoach London Managing Director Paul Lynch said: “We’re excited to be asked to operate the innovative and important Silvertown Tunnel cycle-shuttle service as part of the enhanced cross river public transport offering, and we’re busy making sure our specially converted zero emission buses will be ready in time. We also hope to see the new tunnel ease traffic conditions for our other bus services in the area.”
The tunnel is expected to open as scheduled, following final operational testing and the installation of infrastructure for the new bus routes.
Silvertown & Blackwall Tunnel charges
Starting 7 April 2025 Operating hours: 06:00-22:00 daily
Standard Charges (with TfL Auto Pay)
- Off-peak base rate: £1.50
- Peak hour surcharges:
- Motorcycles: +£1
- Cars and small vans: +£2.50
- Large vans: +£4
- HGVs: +£5
Peak times:
- Northbound: 06:00-10:00 (Mon-Fri)
- Southbound: 16:00-19:00 (Mon-Fri)
Free Crossings
- Buses and coaches (9+ seats)
- London taxis
- Blue badge holders
- Wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles
- ‘Zero-Emission Capable’ TfL-licensed private hire vehicles
- Accredited breakdown/recovery vehicles
- NHS staff and eligible patients (via reimbursement)
Discounts
- 50% off for low-income residents in 12 eligible boroughs and City of London receiving qualifying benefits
- £1 off standard off-peak rate for first year (small businesses, sole traders, and charities in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Greenwich)
Penalties
- £180 for non-payment (£90 if paid within 14 days)
- Maximum one penalty per day regardless of crossings
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