Article from BTNews 9 DECEMBER 2019
London City Airport tunnel
Access to London City Airport is on the way to being improved after Transport for London (TfL) finalised the contract for the controversial Silvertown Tunnel project under the Thames between the Royal Docks and Greenwich.
Falling within the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), the £1bn structure (below) is designed to ease congestion around the nearby Blackwall Tunnel. Work is expected to be finished in 2025.
The project has attracted controversy but the news of the contract was welcomed by the London First lobby group, which said the tunnel was “a vital investment in London’s transport infrastructure”.
Director of strategy and policy John Dickie said it was “a significant milestone in redressing the balance which has seen East London severely short-changed when it comes to transport options to cross the river”.
He added: “As well as providing direct relief for the chronically-congested Blackwall Tunnel, it will ensure residents of East London are able to access jobs and business opportunities on the other side of the river.”
TfL director of major projects Stuart Harvey said his organisation would work tirelessly to ensure any disruption to residents or businesses is kept to an absolute minimum during construction.
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