Blackwall Tunnel closed southbound for installation of new footbridge

Transport for London (TfL) has warned drivers that the southbound Blackwall Tunnel will be closed across an entire weekend while a footbridge is installed.

The tunnel will be closed from 10pm on Friday, March 31 until 5am on Monday, April 3.

Drivers are advised to plan alternative routes in advance, given height and weight restrictions at the Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge – both of which are outside of the Congestion Charge.

Drivers of HGVs, as well as vans more than 2 metres in height or weighing more than 2 tonnes are advised to use the Dartford Crossing over the weekend where possible.

However, to help reduce the burden on other river crossings, the Woolwich Ferry will also operate a service every 15 to 20 minutes across the weekend between 7am and 6pm.

The northbound Blackwall Tunnel will not be affected by this closure.

The new bridge is part of the Silvertown Tunnel project and will replace the existing 1960s footbridge across the A102.

Carl Eddleston, Director of Network Management and Resilience  at TfL said: “Working with Riverlinx CJV, we have worked hard to try and minimise the potential disruption these will cause, such as putting on additional Woolwich Ferry services and ensuring a northbound route can be maintained across the weekend.”

Pictured top: CGI image of the new bridge (Picture: TfL)