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| Map of the Silvertown Tunnel Image - Transport for London (TfL) |
This article follows up on my previous suggestion to explore the conversion of bus lanes and priority measures for tram use. It's important to remember that bus lanes and priority schemes aren't solely for buses; they also play a crucial role in enabling emergency services to improve their response times and potentially save lives by avoiding heavy traffic congestion.
Now that the Silvertown Tunnel has opened to road traffic on 7th April 2025, alongside the introduction of the SL4 and the extended 129 bus routes using zero-emission double-decker buses, the foundations have been laid for further enhancements to the tunnel itself, which can bring additional improvements in capacity and accessibility across the Thames. I propose a suggestion to enhance transport services using the existing tunnel infrastructure, which could increase capacity and improve accessibility across the Thames.
The Silvertown Tunnel was originally slated to open by 2021 as part of former Mayor Boris Johnson's 2020 vision. It's understandable that the project faced controversy during both its proposal and construction phases.
Again according to TfL's press release in 2018, which was suppose to open in 2023 as they were granted a Development Consent Order by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The Silvertown Tunnel, located between Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula, spans the River Thames and connects the London Borough of Newham with the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Opened on 7 April 2025, the twin-tube tunnel is 1.4 km (0.87 miles) long with two lanes per tunnel and an internal width of 10.66 meters (35.0 feet). It is operated by Riverlinx under the ownership of Transport for London, and serves automotive traffic with varying toll rates: £4.00 for cars and small vans during peak hours, with discounts during off-peak times. It also accommodates motorcycles, large vans, and heavy goods vehicles, with different tolls based on size and time of day. The tunnel features 8 cross passages and is part of the A1026 route.
Given that the fundamental tunnel structure is now in place, this presents a potential opportunity to consider its conversion for tram operation.
It's important to bear in mind that I am not an engineering or planning expert; this suggestion is purely based on my ideas regarding the potential placement of tram tracks and associated overhead infrastructure.
Back in 2022, Sian Berry, a Green London Assembly member, proposed alternative uses for the Silvertown Tunnel, a concept worth revisiting.
A throwback to December 2022: Londoners have better ideas for the #Silvertown Road Tunnel, says new report by Green #London Assembly member @sianberry.bsky.social Report suggests tram, DLR, walk/cycle tunnel, and split-level options for public transport. www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) April 13, 2025 at 9:34 PM
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Integrating Tram Access at the Silvertown Tunnel: Reviving Plans for a Greenwich Waterfront Connection
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| Plan of the Silvertown Tunnel Southern Portal with Tram Tracks Shown in Purple |
At the southern entrance (portal) of the Silvertown Tunnel, a slip road connects Millennium Way to the tunnel. This particular road offers a viable option for conversion to accommodate tram lines in both directions.
Southbound trams could potentially cross over onto this slip road towards the O2 arena (formerly the Millennium Dome) with the installation of traffic lights to manage northbound traffic entering the Silvertown Tunnel.
A tram stop could be conveniently located directly at or near the O2 arena, providing enhanced connectivity to this key destination.
Regarding the southern route, plans from the 2000s for the Greenwich Waterfront Transit envisioned the use of trams in this area.
The proposed SL11 Superloop express bus route is similar to the Greenwich Waterfront Transit, which was proposed in the 2000s with optically guided trolleybuses but was unfortunately cancelled in 2009. web.archive.org/web/20040604...
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) March 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
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While the proposed SL11 bus route follows a similar alignment to the Greenwich Waterfront Transit, I have responded to the consultation, suggesting the consideration of a tram conversion.
My response to the consultation on the proposed Superloop route SL11. https://t.co/olgbPEtgu1 pic.twitter.com/6huuCGrurY
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) March 14, 2025
Although the consultation for the SL11 has now closed, you can still submit your comments by contacting TfL through their website.
On the northern side of the river, the tram network could potentially be extended towards key locations such as Canary Wharf, ExCeL Centre, London City Airport, or Beckton Station.
Integration with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) towards Stratford International could be explored. However, this would necessitate rolling stock capable of operating both on DLR infrastructure and as street-running trams, likely requiring high-floor vehicles similar to those used on the Metrolink in Greater Manchester.
This concept also opens up opportunities for innovative solutions. Given the rapid advancements in technology, including driverless trains and vehicles, it's worth considering the potential for autonomous trams operating in the Silvertown Tunnel alongside other traffic, albeit with appropriate staff oversight.
The world’s longest tram is created in Pilsen, Czech Republic, where Škoda Group produces twelve nearly 60-metre-long trams. The Škoda ForCity Smart 38T is almost twice as long as a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. With 72.4 km of cables powering its advanced systems and a capacity for 368 passengers, this tram is part of a modular fleet for German operator Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH. Its design could be useful for integration with the Silvertown Tunnel, as well as potential future connections to the DLR. The tram’s flexibility and advanced systems make it a strong candidate for merging with DLR tracks and operating across both urban and tunnel environments. In comparison, the Docklands Light Railway’s 2-car train set measures 56 metres (183 ft 8¾ in) in length.
Why Convert the Silvertown Tunnel for Tram Use?
My research into the West Midlands Metro highlights a relevant precedent. The extension of a tram line to Edgbaston Village involved the conversion of the Five Ways underpass tunnel for the exclusive use of buses and trams. This demonstrates a successful example of adapting an existing road tunnel to prioritise public transport, specifically for the Westside Metro Extension phase two.
The West Midlands Metro extension to Edgbaston Village, through the conversion of the Five Ways underpass tunnel for tram and bus-only use, illustrates how existing road tunnels can be adapted to prioritise public transport. This approach has the potential to increase capacity, improve service reliability, and support local regeneration by providing efficient, high-frequency tram services. It serves as a practical example of how tunnels like the Silvertown could be converted to enhance sustainable transport options.
The Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel (DSTT) is a 1.3-mile (2.1-kilometre) tunnel beneath central Seattle, USA, originally constructed in the late 1980s and opened in 1990 solely for buses. It was designed to improve bus services by diverting them underground through the congested city centre, utilising specially designed dual-mode buses that operated electrically within the tunnel and on diesel above ground.
Although the tunnel included tracks from the outset, they were initially unsuitable for light rail use due to insulation problems. Between 2005 and 2007, the tunnel was closed for refurbishment to accommodate light rail trains alongside buses. From 2009, the tunnel carried both buses and Link light rail services. In March 2019, buses were withdrawn to allow for increased light rail frequency, and the tunnel has since been used solely by light rail.
The DSTT is a notable and pioneering example of a transit tunnel initially built for buses and subsequently adapted for light rail, illustrating a phased approach to urban transport infrastructure that balances immediate needs with future rail expansion.
Trams for the Proposed Thames Gateway Bridge
Looking back to the 2000s, a suggestion was put forward to the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, regarding the use of trams for the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge linking Beckton and Thamesmead. His response indicated that "While conversion of the public transport lanes for tram operation would cause some disruption to these lanes, it would not significantly affect the general traffic lanes covered by the toll."
More recently (in 2024), TfL's consultation on extending the Docklands Light Railway to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead included discussions about land safeguarding related to the previously proposed Thames Gateway Bridge.
"Thames Gateway Bridge
Parts of the development sites at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront include land that has been safeguarded by Government as part of previous proposals for a possible Thames Gateway Bridge across the River Thames between Beckton and Thamesmead. Although there are now no plans to deliver a road crossing in this location, the land needed to build this bridge remains safeguarded by Government to stop other development taking place that would have prevented the future construction of the bridge. Safeguarding is a planning process which protects land required for infrastructure projects.
The safeguarding of this land conflicts with the vision for new homes, jobs and high-quality town centres in these areas, and could limit the transformational opportunity of the proposed DLR extension (which would itself provide a new cross-river link).
If we decide to continue with a DLR extension, following feedback to this consultation, we will explore the removal of the safeguarding with the Department for Transport and affected London Boroughs."
In the consultation report, TfL also stated:
"In response to the potential removal of the safeguarding for the Thames Gateway Bridge, we received relatively few comments for or against; some respondents felt that the bridge should be built to enable road traffic to cross the river, for example to link the two Superloop bus routes SL2 and SL3, and others supported the removal in favour of the DLR extension."
Further outside of Greater London, the Lower Thames Crossing, a proposed road tunnel connecting Kent and Essex under the River Thames, has an estimated cost of £9 billion.
There are potential alternatives to such costly road infrastructure projects, focusing instead on improving public transport links across the river, as outlined in proposals published by Thurrock Council in 2023.
#Thurrock Council Planning, #Transport, Regeneration Overview & Scrutiny Committee - 28 February 2023:
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) February 23, 2023
Highlights from the Transport Vision and Issues and Opportunities Update papershttps://t.co/5zOUAlY91U
The Elizabeth line could extend and loop around #Gravesend and Thurrock. pic.twitter.com/GBdZkwZpwk
Conclusion
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| Tram vs. Buses vs. Cars: Passenger Capacity Comparison. Image - Transport for Ireland |
Introducing trams through the Silvertown Tunnel would significantly enhance cross-river public transport, providing high-capacity, reliable, and zero-emission travel. This would alleviate congestion, improve air quality, and better connect East London communities to employment opportunities and essential services, thereby supporting regeneration and economic growth.
The development of tram infrastructure would also benefit key industries such as steel manufacturing, rolling stock production, and electrical engineering, creating skilled jobs and strengthening supply chains. Compared to double-decker buses, which typically carry around 80–100 passengers, modern trams can accommodate over 200, offering a substantial increase in capacity and journey reliability – crucial for supporting anticipated population and employment growth.
Trams would deliver faster, more frequent, and more accessible services, particularly benefiting lower-income communities by improving equitable access to employment, education, and essential services. Their electric propulsion would contribute to reducing local air pollution and carbon emissions, aligning with London’s environmental and public health objectives.
For TfL and the Mayor of London, incorporating trams into the Silvertown Tunnel should be a key policy consideration. It would not only address rising transport demand more effectively than buses but also enhance the network's resilience to tunnel closures and other disruptions. Overall, prioritising trams in this context would promote sustainable transport, attract investment, and deliver significant long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits for London.
As the next London Mayoral Election is in 2028, my suggestion can be used to question the candidates about converting the Silvertown Tunnel for tram use as part of their election manifesto commitment.
The development of tram infrastructure would also benefit key industries such as steel manufacturing, rolling stock production, and electrical engineering, creating skilled jobs and strengthening supply chains. Compared to double-decker buses, which typically carry around 80–100 passengers, modern trams can accommodate over 200, offering a substantial increase in capacity and journey reliability – crucial for supporting anticipated population and employment growth.
Trams would deliver faster, more frequent, and more accessible services, particularly benefiting lower-income communities by improving equitable access to employment, education, and essential services. Their electric propulsion would contribute to reducing local air pollution and carbon emissions, aligning with London’s environmental and public health objectives.
For TfL and the Mayor of London, incorporating trams into the Silvertown Tunnel should be a key policy consideration. It would not only address rising transport demand more effectively than buses but also enhance the network's resilience to tunnel closures and other disruptions. Overall, prioritising trams in this context would promote sustainable transport, attract investment, and deliver significant long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits for London.
I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.
Further reading
Why is Creativity in Public Transport Important
