Transport for London (TfL) announced that a tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been launched at Royal Docks to excavate the 1.4km (0.9-mile) Silvertown Tunnel under the River Thames.
Once it has completed the first tunnel by reaching the Greenwich peninsula, the TBM will be turned around and directed back to Royal Docks to create the second tunnel.
Climate protesters have expressed concern about the new crossing’s impact on traffic and air pollution.
Silvertown Tunnel is expected to open in 2025 and will be used by cars, vans, lorries and buses. TfL said that the new tunnel will reduce congestion at Blackwall Tunnel.
Charges will be introduced for using both tunnels once Silvertown Tunnel opens. The level of charges, and the varying toll fees according to vehicle size, have not yet been decided.
Image credit: Transport...