Blackwall Tunnel: Height restriction and when is it busiest?

The popular tunnel is located in east London and runs under the River Thames, as well as the O2 Arena.

It was officially opened by the former Prince of Wales on May 22, 1987, as part of a £1.4m project to improve trade in and around the east London area.

We’ve gathered the latest information from the RAC about the Blackwall Tunnel, and when the best times to travel through it are.

When is the tunnel closed?

The tunnel is usually open 24/7 unless there are any emergency service incidents such as a fire or a crash.

The tunnels are closed for routine maintenance works which are highlighted on the TfL website - these usually happen during the evenings or quieter times of the day.

When is the busiest time to travel in the Blackwall Tunnel?

Expectedly, the busiest times are during the morning and evening rush hour, but TfL traffic shows the timings are different.

The northbound tunnel is busiest between 6.30am and 8.30am during the morning rush hour, whereas the southbound tunnel sees the most traffic in the evening from 6pm – 8pm.

What is the speed limit for the tunnels?

30mph.

Is there a height restriction?

The Blackwall Tunnel has a height restriction of 4m northbound, and 4.7m southbound.

Drivers can be hit with a Fixed Penalty Notice of a £60 and three points on their licence if signs are ignored.

Do you have to pay a toll?

Currently, drivers do not have to pay a toll for the Blackwall Tunnel.

A little further east, people who choose to drive over the Dartford Crossing will have to pay a toll – the Dart Charge.

Why does the tunnel bend?

According to the RAC, the Blackwall Tunnel bends so it can align with Northumberland Wharf to the north and Ordnance Wharf to the south, as well as avoiding a nearby sewer.

As well as this, when the tunnel initially opened, it was horse and cart – so the tunnel had to be curved to avoid the horses seeing daylight and being startled by it.