How many?
As London’s newest tunnel opens, a reminder of the many and varied ways you can cross the Thames - story 54
Beginning tomorrow, tens of thousands of vehicles are expected to make use of the capital’s newest river crossing: the Silvertown Tunnel. The long-anticipated project, which runs beneath the River Thames, aims to ease congestion in East London and provide an alternative route to the frequently overburdened Blackwall Tunnel.
Moreon this tunnel later this week.
The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel also raises a broader question: just how many ways are there to cross the Thames?
Despite the river’s centrality to London’s geography and infrastructure, comprehensive maps of its crossings are surprisingly hard to come by. One of the most complete—and perhaps most unexpected—resources comes not from a government agency or transport authority, but from Clarendon Apartments, the suppliers of extended stay apartment accommodation for business travellers.
They list 56 crossings - bridges, tunnels, ferries and one cable car.
The new tunnel lies directly beneath the cable car route and, when open, renders this chart inaccurate.