Overview

Traffic conditions across South East London are expected to remain generally stable during the week ahead, with no major long-term daytime disruption affecting the principal road network.

The primary sources of delay remain routine commuter traffic, ongoing highway improvement works around Woolwich, planned overnight maintenance at the Dartford Crossing and increased traffic associated with events on the Greenwich Peninsula.

Motorists should also be aware of the forthcoming Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charge increase, scheduled to take effect from 21 September 2026.

Network Changes Since Edition 005

There have been no major strategic changes since the previous bulletin.

Local highway improvement works continue around the Woolwich town centre one-way system, with sections of traffic management remaining in place while infrastructure improvements progress.

Transport for London has indicated that the current phase of these works is expected to conclude during the coming weeks, although temporary traffic management may continue while final reinstatement and associated works are completed. Drivers should continue to expect occasional local delays when travelling through the area.

Strategic River Crossings

Blackwall Tunnel

The Blackwall Tunnel remains fully operational and continues to be one of London's busiest river crossings.

On a typical weekday, the crossing carries well over 90,000 vehicle movements, serving commuters, freight traffic and commercial operators travelling between South East London and Docklands. Heavy traffic demand means that even relatively minor incidents can quickly lead to congestion on the A102 approaches.

Typical weekday peak periods

• Northbound: 06:30–09:00

• Southbound: 16:00–18:30

Motorists using the crossing regularly should also note the revised tunnel charging structure due to come into effect on 21 September 2026.

Silvertown Tunnel

The Silvertown Tunnel continues normal operation and provides additional resilience across East London's Thames crossings.

Traffic conditions have remained generally stable throughout recent weeks, with the tunnel continuing to redistribute demand from the Blackwall Tunnel during peak periods.

No daytime restrictions have been announced for this reporting period.

Woolwich Ferry

The Woolwich Ferry continues operating under its published timetable.

Following the introduction of user charges at the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels earlier this year, TfL reported that ferry traffic increased by approximately 1,800 additional vehicles per day, reflecting motorists choosing an alternative river crossing.

Drivers should continue to expect:

• Short queues during weekday commuter periods.

• Increased waiting times during periods of high demand.

• Local congestion on approach roads when services operate at reduced capacity.

QEII Bridge & Dartford Crossing (A282)

National Highways continues planned maintenance at the Dartford Crossing.

Current works include:

• QEII Bridge cable-stay refurbishment.

• Routine bridge inspections.

• Tunnel maintenance.

• Drainage improvements.

Overnight lane closures continue between 21:00 and 06:00, with at least one lane remaining available wherever operationally possible.

Drivers travelling overnight are advised to check National Highways updates before beginning their journey.

Planned Engineering Works

Woolwich Town Centre

Improvement works continue around the Woolwich one-way system.

Motorists should continue to expect:

• Temporary lane restrictions.

• Reduced traffic speeds.

• Temporary traffic management.

• Localised congestion during peak periods.

The project is progressing towards completion, although some temporary traffic arrangements are expected to remain in place while final works are completed.

Local Highway Maintenance

Routine highway and utility works continue across:

• Woolwich.

• Greenwich.

• Charlton.

• Thamesmead.

Traffic management arrangements may change as individual schemes progress throughout the week.

Major Events

The O2 Arena

The O2 Arena continues to host concerts and entertainment events throughout the week.

Drivers travelling through the Greenwich Peninsula should allow additional journey time before and after evening performances, particularly around:

• Peninsula Way.

• Millennium Way.

• Blackwall Tunnel approaches.

• Silvertown Tunnel approaches.

Temporary increases in traffic should be expected around event start and finish times.

Public Outlook Snapshot

Overall network conditions remain stable.

The principal factors expected to influence journey times this week include:

• Routine commuter traffic.

• Highway improvement works around Woolwich.

• Planned overnight maintenance at the Dartford Crossing.

• Event-related traffic around the Greenwich Peninsula.

• Peak demand at strategic Thames crossings.

No widespread daytime disruption affecting South East London's principal road network has been announced at the time of publication.

Looking Ahead

Motorists using the Blackwall Tunnel and Silvertown Tunnel should prepare for revised tunnel user charges from 21 September 2026.

Infrastructure improvements across Woolwich continue to progress, and the completion of the current phase of the town centre highway works is expected to improve traffic flow once temporary management measures are removed.

ROBELIUM will continue to monitor publicly available information relating to strategic transport infrastructure, planned highway works and operational developments affecting South East London's road network.

Disclaimer

This article has been prepared using publicly available information from official organisations, industry publications and other publicly accessible sources available at the time of publication.

The ROBELIUM Newsroom provides editorial summaries intended to support general awareness of developments within the transport, mobility and roadside-assistance sectors. Content does not constitute live traffic management, live operational reporting, operational forecasting, route guidance, legal advice, safety advice or other professional advice.

ROBELIUM is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any official transport authority, public body, road operator or third-party organisation referenced in this publication unless explicitly stated.

Information, planned works and operational conditions may change following publication. Readers should refer to the relevant official authorities for the latest available information before travelling.