Silvertown Tunnel

The tunnel - set to open in 2023 - will connect the A1020 Silvertown Way/Lower Lea Crossing to the north with the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Approach on the south, following the alignment of the Emirates Air Line cable car.

The project is being delivered by Transport for London (TfL), having been granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) by the Department for Transport following an Arcadis Environmental Impact Assessment.

The DCO is the formal process by which the Government gives approval to any development categorised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).  As well as easing traffic flow in the area, with up to 37 buses an hour using the tunnel, it will create numerous opportunities for new jobs and help local employers to access new markets. With further pedestrian and cycling improvements to be made on both sides of the river, it will also reduce the environmental impact of traffic congestion. 

Arcadis undertook the Environmental Assessments for the project, supporting TfL through the statutory consultation process, and preparing an Environmental Statement and other supporting documents that formed part of the DCO application. 

This was the first DCO process TfL has undertaken. Further to this application, Arcadis also supported TfL through the examination process, preparing written responses, fielding expert witnesses at the Examination Hearings and preparing further modelling work following the examination to respond to additional questions related to tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentration.

“There were multiple technical challenges with this project, including complex negotiation on  managing effects on air quality, but by working collaboratively together as one-team we were able to achieve the common goal of getting the DCO. It’s a challenging consent regime, but we are proud of how we worked with TfL to help shape a successful approach to meeting its requirements.” 

Kate Kenny, Account Leader, Arcadis