The new tunnel has faced mass criticism over concerns about pollution and the fees drivers will face, another tunnel has long been the face of backlash and concern.
While a saving grace for many, the Victorian-built Blackwall Tunnel is often criticised for its long delays and recent closures.
TfL promises Londoners that the new Silvertown will finally put an end to constant delays caused by the congested Blackwall, with more lanes and a similar route.
But, how different can two tunnels set beneath the River Thames to help the flow of traffic be?
What are the differences between the Silvertown Tunnel and the Blackwall Tunnel?
Silvertown Tunnel route vs Blackwall Tunnel route
Starting with the two tunnel routes, both seem pretty similar, connecting one major borough with the north side of the river Thames.
The Victorian Blackwall starts in the Tower Hamlets and travels under the Thames leading up to Greenwich.
The modern Silvertown will also connect Greenwich with a north-side borough, starting in the Greenwich Peninsula and ending with East London’s Silvertown district in Newham.
Silvertown Tunnel length vs Blackwall Tunnel length
One feature that is important to many, is the length of the two tunnels, while you might think the new Silvertown will beat Blackwall by a mile, it’s actually the other way around.
Blackwall runs for 1.8km (1.1 miles), while Silvertown is slightly less at 1.4km, making the tunnel less than a mile.
Silvertown Tunnel cost vs Blackwall Tunnel cost
Drivers paying to use the tunnels will always be curious as to how much the projects originally cost to build.
But with more than a hundred years of difference between the two, it’s not surprising that Blackwall was much cheaper to build in the Victorian era.
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According to Greenwich Guide, the total cost of Blackwall Tunnel including building, buying the land, lighting and more was around £1.4 million.
The 21st-century Silvertown is much more expensive, with the final cost not expected until the project is complete.
However, the London Government has shared that it is expected to cost at least £2 billion to be completed.
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