Roadworks on A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach

This is to inform you about upcoming works on the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach.

These works will enable the realignment of the carriageway for the entrance to the new Silvertown Tunnel. They will be completed in phases and will continue until the tunnel opens in 2025. 

I have summarised key points about the initial stages of works below. We would be pleased to offer a more comprehensive briefing at your convenience. 

Phase 1

Initial works on the central reservation of the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach will commence on 17 October and last for two weeks.

The offside lane will be closed in both directions between the Blackwall Lane over bridge and Boord Street. This will bring the three-lane carriageway down to two lanes on a continuous 24/7 basis for 14 days.

Once the initial phase of works is complete the northbound side of the road will fully reopen

Phase 2

On 31 October, the second phase of works will begin on the southbound lane of the A102 between Boord Street and the slip road to Blackwall Lane. This will continue until summer 2023​.

Throughout this stage of works the nearside lane will remain closed, reducing lane capacity to two lanes. The Blackwall Lane slip road will also be reduced to a single lane.

Impact of works

Up to 100,000 vehicles use the Blackwall Tunnel daily and congestion on the A102 is already an issue impacting the local roads. Due to the nature of these works, we understand that these works will impact traffic in both directions.

Throughout the works, we will have Vehicle Message Signs (VMS) and Advanced Message Signs (AMS) placed to assist motorists locally and on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN).

Impact on Buses

Bus route 108 which operates along the A102 will continue to serve this corridor as scheduled throughout the works. As outlined above, the A102 is already impacted by congestion, however we do not expect the service to be additionally delayed above current impacts.

Communications

In preparation to these works we have written to residents directly affected by the works to provide them with an update on the programme. We have also written to individuals registered for TfL customer emails, software providers and Taxi-Private Hire and HGV/Freight forums to outline the works and schedule as well as releasing a statement through the TfL Press Office.

Throughout these works, we are encouraging HGV and freight traffic to use Dartford Crossing points where possible. Local road users are being encouraged to factor a longer travel time into their journeys and prepare for congestion above current impact.

Delivery Partners

These works are being delivered by our partner Riverlinx in collaboration with TfL. For additional information about these works and the Silvertown Tunnel project visit https://www.riverlinx.co.uk/.