Woolwich foot tunnel lift repaired after more than four years
A foot tunnel out of order for more than four years – yes FOUR years – has finally been fixed.
The northern lift stopped working way back in 2022 and it’s been an arduous journey to get Greenwich and Newham councils to cough up for repairs.
Greenwich Council have previously blamed Newham for not releasing funding. In the end the money needed was just £108,500 contribution from each. Hardly vast sums.
However don’t get too excited just yet about progress with the northern lift as the southern lift is set to be closed until January 2027.
EDIT: According to Greenwich Council’s website updated today (November 10th) the northern lift isn’t working.
Delays
Just over a year ago the expected completion date for the northern lift was given as spring 2026 which was missed by six months.
It’s been a shambolic situation for years and while the foot tunnel sees far less usage than it did following its 1912 opening when the Royal Arsenal is open, it’s only going to increase in years to come.
For one thing, new housing blocks have been built metres from the northern tunnel entrance.
Woolwich is a relatively quick walk under the river for new residents where people can reach far more shops, employment opportunities and transport options than exist in close proximity north of the river.
In addition work is now in full swing on hundreds more homes from Newham Council where 350 homes are on the way adding to two other recent developments.
South of the river sees plans for the upcoming demolition of Waterfront leisure centre, which when built did its best to hide and block access.
Redevelopment plans foresee opening up the foot tunnel and river with Woolwich town centre as once seen. Hundreds more homes are to arrive.
Transport
Whilst the flow of people heading north is likely to be limited than those heading south in years and decades to come, there are some decent transport options in North Woolwich that could attract more people from Woolwich.
Superloop route SL2 commences near the North Woolwich foot tunnel exit and links with various modes of transport across east London such as the Beckton DLR line, c2c rail, London Overground and tubes at Barking, the Shenfield Elizabeth line branch at Ilford plus tube lines at the stunning Gants Hill station (Central line) and Walthamstow (Victoria line).
Yes the ferry is an option to cross the Thames but for one, it’s not always very reliable (no running in the fog or windy days) doesn’t run all night and too often you’ll have a 15 minute wait to even board let alone cross.
It can be a pin in other words and the foot tunnel will play a key role linking ever more people either side of the river.
Thus working and reliable lifts will help ever more people living, working and travelling on either side of the Thames. Another mess as seen since 2022 will be inexcusable.
