Joy at Tunnel Upgrade News

The news that the western bore of the Blackwall Tunnel is set to benefit from a £70 million pound refurbishment program has been greeted with joy by many regular users of this jewel of London's transport infrastructure. The works, due to commence in February 2010, will see improved ventilation, lighting and communications systems installed to enhance the beauty of the Victorian tunnel. To minimize disruption during the 3 years the work is expected to take, the western bore will be closed between 21:00 and 05:00 Sunday to Friday, and northbound traffic will be diverted via the eastern bore which will be closed to southbound traffic. Traffic heading south will be required to use other river crossings during this period. The only exception to this closure will be the 108 bus route between Stratford and Lewisham which will be escorted southbound every 30 minutes between 01:00 and 05:00 while northbound traffic is held.

A regular user of the Blackwall Tunnel told us "This refurbishment work is fantastic news. I hope that the contractors BAM Nuttall treat the 19th century splendour of the tunnel with the sensitivity this triumph of Victorian engineering deserves while at the same time incorporating 21st century safety features. When the work is completed, thousands of travellers and visitors to the capital will be able to experience the undisputed beauty of the tunnel 24 hours a day".