Transport for London (TfL) and Riverlinx have announced that the new Silvertown Tunnel is planned to open on 7 April 2025.
The new tunnel, which began in 2021, is being constructed to link Silvertown in east London to the Greenwich Peninsula.
Riverlinx is the consortium behind designing, building, operating and maintaining the new tunnel.
New bus routes will serve the tunnel, including the Superloop 4 (SL4) between Canary Wharf and Grove Park.
These routes will be free for at least the first year. The new buses will increase the number of buses crossing the river from six to 21 per hour, benefiting more Londoners.
As construction on the Silvertown project nears completion, work is shifting to installing infrastructure for new zero-emission bus routes, including a cycle-shuttle service under the Thames.
Operational testing is underway in preparation for the tunnel’s opening. The new cross-river bus routes will serve Greenwich, Newham, and Tower Hamlets.
TfL will soon begin installing new shelters and cycle racks for the zero-emission cycle-shuttle service. Designed specifically for cyclists, the service will run every 12 minutes, seven days a week.
Transport for London chief capital officer Stuart Harvey said: “The new tunnel, along with the initial user charges, discounts and exemptions, will support growth in the local area and provide new public transport connections across the river.”
First announced in 2012, the 1.4km new tunnel will connect Newham and the Greenwich Peninsula, offering faster and more reliable journeys with up to 20 minutes saved during peak times.
Located within the Ultra Low Emission Zone, the tunnel will support economic growth and increase the number of buses crossing the river.
To manage traffic and ensure financial sustainability, a user charge will be introduced on 07 April 2025, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Riverlinx CEO John Hagan said: “We are pleased to announce the opening date for the project.
“This represents the culmination of effort for the thousands of people that have worked on the project over the past five years.”
