A brand new tunnel is coming to London in the form of one of Transport for London's (TfL) biggest projects, the Silvertown Tunnel.

The tunnel will go under the River Thames and connect the Greenwich Peninsula with East London.

TfL has previously shared that Silvertown aims to help reduce "chronic congestion" at Blackwall Tunnel while allowing better public transport links.

Silvertown will comprise of a 1.4km twin-bore road tunnel and marks the newest of its kind in more than 30 years.

Unlike the Victorian Blackwall Tunnel, TfL hopes Silvertown will offer a modern friendly alternative with wider roads and the potential for walking and cycling facilities in the tunnel.

TfL also aims for Silvertown to offer quicker journeys than Blackwall by at least 20 minutes faster and reducing the impact that traffic congestion has on some of London's most polluted roads.

When will Silvertown Tunnel open?

According to TfL, they expect the Silvertown Tunnel will be completed and open to the public in 2025.

However, an exact open date has not yet been confirmed.


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How much is it costing to build the Silvertown Tunnel?

The Silvertown Tunnel has a budget of £2.2 billion, with the construction of around £1 billion and another £1.2 billion to be paid over 25 years in annual payments.

The project was signed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who described the tunnel as being a vital link from the Thames to East London.

TfL has shared that tolls will be instated in the summer of 2025 to help control traffic on both the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels.

Although not confirmed yet, reports have suggested that it could cost between £3 and £5 to drive through the tunnel each way.