Silvertown Tunnel contract rises by £200 million to £1.2 billion

The cost of Silvertown Tunnel’s contract has risen by £200 million since November to £1.2 billion.

The new number was revealed in a contract award notice published on 9th March after Green Party member Sian Berry questioned TfL.

Ferry plan in place of fixed crossing

The news came just after TfL revealed plans for a ferry in place of bridge connecting Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. TfL have also previously scrapped plans for additional Jubilee Line trains.

In recent weeks we’ve once again seen supporters claim the tunnel eases congestion. While that may be the case initially northbound, southbound is a whole different story.

Courtesy TfL. Thirty per cent more traffic will head onto this stretch meeting existing queues

When the issue of 30 per cent extra traffic heading southbound onto existing roads in Greenwich borough – according to TfL themselves – which already see miles of afternoon queues, there is silence.

Current levels of traffic versus post Silvertown levels according to TfL

Not a single supporter has ever answered a question on this, and I’ve asked dozens. Some seem completely unaware, including those in positions of power, or others simply skirt around it and onto another issue. But its a crucial issue for the road network in south east London and Greenwich borough. If it causes widespread congestion as TfL themselves predict, good luck getting more people onto buses – which is another key claim of the tunnel.

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I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

9 thoughts on “Silvertown Tunnel contract rises by £200 million to £1.2 billion

  • Once build, it will rise perhaps to £1.5 billion. Wonder what the charge to pass the tunnels will be.

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  • Reduce traffic by requiring at least three people in a car at peak times. Otherwise use public transport.

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  • The amount of traffic in the Borough and South East/East Londonwill increase massively once the Silvetown Tunnel is completed. Leading to more traffic congestion on our roads.

    Totally agree with you Greenwich Park Fan. The majority of cars on the road have one person in them (The driver).

    I think more colleagues could car share if living in the same area with everyone contributing towards the cost of the fuel.

    Also I am a stong believer in public transport and investment in public transport which i Ithink Greenwich and neighbouring Boroughs of Bexley and Lewisham have not seen for years. Compared to other parts of London.

    Considering the amount of new homes in the Borough with many more still to be built the public transport infrastructure needs to be seriously looked at again and improved.I do not think Crossraii alone will be enough to solve these issues.

    We also have some of the less frequent bus routes in Greater London.along with cuts to Central London Bus routes Route 53 now terminates at County Hall and route 171 at Elephant & Castle. Considering we remain largely unserved by the London Underground with no larger have a bus route in to the heart of Central London.

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  • ** No longer have a bus route to the heart of Central London **

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  • 1 tunnel which could switch directions according to traffic flow and the other tunnel for cycling, walking, skating, running ect. Maybe some pot plants and cool lighting.

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  • I can see the Silvertown Tunnel becoming another crossrail and HS2 with the cost keep rising..

    I to wonder how much the toll will be for the tunnelonce completed.

    I agree with Graham, that traffic congestion will be a major problem through the Greenwich Borough.If there is a problem in either the Blackwall or Silvertown Tunnels traffic congestion will so much worse.

    As it is If there is a problem with the Blackwall Tunnel or the Dartford Crossing most of South East London and East London becomes grid locked.

    I think inestment in public transport is vital for the future of London as a major city.

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  • Mat I think another walking cycling tunnel a cross the river would be very popular with many local people as we try to reduce car usage in the Borough and encourage more walking and cycling.

    I would like to see a foot passenger Ferry Service like the new ferry service to be introduced between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf also introduced at either Greenwich or North Greenwich and further along the river at Thamesmead or Erith Reach.

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  • The south east of London is being held to ransom!
    The public transport links are no way as good as north of the river and West/Central london have many river crossings and don’t have to pay a toll!
    Just build a crossing somewhere suitable between blackwall and dartford, a much more simple and effective solution than the silvertown option, which wouldn’t help in cases where the dartford tunnel is shut!
    To also toll the blackwall tunnel is just adding insult to injury

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  • I agree HK. Public Transport in South East London is no where near as good as in other parts of London Including North/West/East and Central London which all have better access to the London Underground network with more underground stations in these areas,

    Most of the Borough of Greenwich and Lewisham have very limited access to the London Underground with nearest stations being at North Greenwich or New Cross. Alternatively the next main underground Station is at Canada Water.

    The Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley are not served by the Undergound at all.

    Yet we still have some of the most less frequent bus services in Greater London and our best bus services cut back from serving the heart of Central Londonby terminating South of the river. (Routes 53 and 171).

    Reply

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