The Blackwall Tunnel is set to close for essential works this weekend and we’ve gathered what you need to know about the closures, traffic impacts, and alternative routes.

Plans for the Silvertown Tunnel, first developed in 2012, aim to reduce traffic congestion and deliver faster, more reliable journeys in London when it opens in 2025.

Closure dates and times

Initial closure: Saturday, July 20 to Monday, July 22.

Starts: 12.01am Saturday.

Ends: By 5am Monday (southbound traffic restored).

Next Closure: Saturday, August 17 to Monday, August 19.

These dates have been chosen to avoid key events happening in London during the summer.

Expected to cut travel times by up to 20 minutes, the new tunnel is set to bring a significant increase in bus services across the river and propose a new cycle shuttle service for cyclists.

There will also be a increase in bus services across the river and a proposed new cycle shuttle service through the tunnel for cyclists.

To avoid clashing with key London summer events, specific dates have been chosen for the related traffic management, according to TfL.

Weekend closures of the Blackwall Tunnel for southbound traffic will begin at 12.01am on Saturdays, with normal traffic flow restored by 5amam on Mondays.

Northbound traffic will remain unaffected as it will be diverted through the southbound Blackwall Tunnel when needed.

Drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance, checking before they travel so they can consider any other potential traffic impacts or restrictions, such as the height and weight limits at Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge, both of which are outside the Congestion Charge zone.

Roads and alternative river crossings in east and central London are expected to be extremely busy with traffic around Rotherhithe Tunnel and along the A13 Commercial Road between Canning Town and Whitechapel heavier than normal over the weekends due to the closures.

The Woolwich Ferry, which now departs every fifteen minutes, seven days a week, will be in operation across the weekends.

The route 108, the only bus route that operates through the Blackwall Tunnel, will be split in two, operating between both Lewisham and North Greenwich and between Canning Town and Stratford.

Nick Fairholme, Director of Capital Delivery – Systems at TfL, said: “We are now in the final phase of works to complete the Silvertown Tunnel and these closures will help us to start to get the tunnel ready to open.

“We appreciate that these planned weekend works will have an impact on some drivers and are doing everything we can to limit potential disruption - including ensuring a northbound route through the Blackwall Tunnel is maintained throughout.”