First look inside new £2.2bn London tunnel critics say Sadiq Khan should never have built

New pictures have been released by Transport for London of a tunnel being built under the Thames.

The Silvertown Tunnel, with an estimated cost of £2.2billion, is due to open next year with the hopes of easing “chronic congestion” in the Blackwall Tunnel.

Both of the 1.4km tunnels have been bored and the “cut and cover” sections are in advanced stages. Work this year will be to install “safety critical systems” and complete tunnel portals.

There is also work on the new road layout at the Tidal Basin roundabout in Newham, meant to make it easier for those accessing the Royal Docks.

The tunnel, which is the first to be built in London in 30 years, will have a user charge and improve cross-river public transport to improve reliability.

Plans also include improvements for walking, cycling and the areas near the tunnel entrances as part of major regeneration of both sides of the river.

Silvertown Tunnel will include dedicated lanes for heavy goods vehicles and buses. There will be no pedestrian or cycle access but a shuttle bus is being considered for cyclists. All future bus routes that will use the tunnel will be zero emission.

The tunnel has been criticised by opponents who fear it will increase levels of traffic, in turn increasing air pollution. 

Green Party member and councillor Caroline Russell expressed concern that as the cost of the tunnel would be covered by tolling, future mayors of London will want to keep traffic levels high in order to pay this off.