Silvertown Tunnel cut congestion significantly, TfL data says
Data published by TfL has found that the Silvertown Tunnel is “easing congestion for Londoners, boosting public transport use, and improving journeys for everyone.” The 1.4km tunnel which opened in April 2025 and connects Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula, is the first new road crossing east of Tower Bridge in 33 years.
Latest monitoring data from three months of operations has confirmed that the Tunnel is achieving the objectives it was designed for. These includes supporting economic and population growth, especially in the east and south-east of the capital, providing improved cross-river transport links, and, with road user charging, managing congestion in that part of London.
The has found that since its opening a few months ago, the performance of the Silvertown Tunnel has improved and there is “significantly less” congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel approaches. This is especially noticeable on the northbound A102 approach to the tunnels, previously a hotspot for congestion. Now, on weekday morning peak hours, average speeds on the approach road have risen from 9mph in March 2025 to 30mph. These faster journeys mean that there has also been a 70% decrease in journey times in the morning rush hour compared to before the tunnel opened.
Currently, on a typical weekday, around 91,000 vehicles use the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels combined in either direction, with almost 22,000 using the latter. By comparison, almost 96,000 used the Blackwall Tunnel on a typical weekday before the Silvertown Tunnel opened
The data covers the first 11 weeks of operation for the Silvertown Tunnel. TfL says it will “continue to closely monitor and report on the scheme’s impact on congestion, resilience and air quality, in line with their obligations under the Development Consent Order for the scheme’s construction.”
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
