After years of anticipation and controversy, the £2.2 billion Silvertown Tunnel opens to traffic on Monday, promising to alleviate the notorious congestion plaguing the Blackwall Tunnel and transform travel between the Royal Docks and the Greenwich Peninsula. The twin-bore tunnel, the first new road crossing east of Tower Bridge in 33 years, is projected to accommodate 25,000 vehicle journeys daily, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
However, the tunnel's opening is not without its challenges. Drivers will face tolls of £4 during peak hours and £1.50 off-peak, generating over £100 million annually. Yet, Transport for London (TfL) anticipates a mere £3 million annual "profit" due to the massive debt incurred in construction, with the remaining funds earmarked for repayment and maintenance.
The introduction of tolls, a stark departure from the Blackwall Tunnel's 130-year toll-free history, has sparked concerns of a "two-tier London." While residents of 12 east London boroughs and the City of London will benefit from a 50% discount, others will bear the full cost. TfL justifies the tolls as a means to manage traffic, repay construction expenses, and cover operational costs.
Climate activists, led by the Stop the Silvertown Tunnel group, vehemently oppose the project, arguing it represents a step backward for London. They predict a surge in lorry traffic, exacerbating air pollution in the surrounding areas. A protest is planned outside City Hall on opening day to voice these concerns.
The tunnel's construction, financed through a £1.2 billion private investment by the Riverlinx consortium, has raised questions about long-term financial implications. TfL's accounts suggest total repayments over 25 years could exceed £2 billion.
Despite the controversy, the tunnel offers some concessions. Buses, taxis, blue badge holders, and zero-emission private hire vehicles are exempt from tolls. New bus routes will utilize the tunnel, free of charge for the first year, and a free cycle shuttle service will operate for at least three years.
Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell criticizes the project, advocating for river crossings that prioritize walking, cycling, and public transport. She argues the tunnel contradicts Mayor Sadiq Khan's "greenest Mayor" claims.
City Hall, however, maintains that the tunnel will "transform travel," reducing congestion and improving air quality. They highlight improvements made to the original 2012 plans, including discounts, concessions, dedicated bus lanes, and the cycle shuttle service.
The Silvertown Tunnel's opening marks a significant infrastructure development, but its long-term impact on traffic, air quality, and social equity remains to be seen.
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