Major East London Traffic Chaos After Blackwall Tunnel Shuts
Commuters across East London are facing severe travel disruption following the complete closure of the Blackwall Tunnel's southbound carriageway. The vital Thames crossing, which directly connects Poplar to Greenwich, has been shut to allow for essential structural repairs to be carried out.
Areas Worst Affected by the Disruption
Live traffic data reveals that roads in Limehouse, Poplar, and the Royal Docks are experiencing the most significant congestion as traffic seeks alternative routes. This is not an emergency closure; the work was scheduled in advance. The tunnel is expected to remain closed until 5am on Monday, December 1.
The current shutdown continues a pattern of temporary closures throughout November. In addition to the main tunnel closure, the Brunswick Road on-slip, which connects the East India Dock Road to the tunnel approach, is also closed, further compounding the traffic issues.
Official Diversions and Alternative Crossings
Transport for London (TfL) has signposted official diversion routes for motorists. Drivers are being directed to use the East India Dock Road, Leamouth Road, the Lower Lea Crossing, and the recently opened Silvertown Tunnel.
The frequent temporary closures of the Blackwall Tunnel throughout 2024 and 2025 are largely linked to preparatory work for this new river crossing. Engineers have been modifying the tunnel's approaches to integrate with the Silvertown Tunnel, which officially opened to traffic in April.
