Artist impression of the road crossing across the River Thames

Infrastructure

The first major road crossing across the River Thames in almost 30 years

The Silvertown Project involves the construction of a 1.4km twin-bore road tunnel under the River Thames in East London which will link the Greenwich peninsula and Silvertown.

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Sector	Infrastructure
Sub-sector	Transport
Location	United Kingdom

Opportunity

It is the first major road crossing across the River Thames in 30 years and is primarily designed to relieve congestion on the 122 year old Blackwall Tunnel. Currently, an estimated one million hours are wasted each year queuing for the Blackwall tunnel, with an estimated economic cost of £10 million a year for those affected.

The new tunnel will create a new and improved transport experience for the residents and commuters of East London, and improve reliability of the wider road network in this part of London. In addition over the past 30 years East London has seen significant population growth, this new tunnel will help deliver a vital piece of infrastructure to prepare for London’s future population growth and relieve chronic congestion and poor air quality around the Blackwall tunnel.

Approach

"The east of London’s substantial population growth is expected to continue. This project will support this growth by reducing delays crossing The Thames and increasing community access to zero emission transport."

Mark Bradshaw, Head of Infrastructure Projects, Europe & Americas, Macquarie Capital

Outcome

Reducing congestion to improve emissions

The Silvertown project will deliver cross-river connections, with an additional two bus lanes added in both directions, increasing public transport by up to 37 buses an hour in each direction. Improving accessibility between London is expected to increase public transport usage by 30% resulting in less congestion and increasing quality of air.¹ The Riverlinx consortium is committed to improving the existing urban environment either side of the river, enhancing public spaces and promoting more walking and cycling.