Motorists can expect to endure five days of misery due to Blackwall Tunnel fire detector repairs

Motorists who use the Blackwall Tunnel can expect to endure a total of five days of misery when fire detector repairs are carried out later this month.

Transport for London (TfL) will repair to the Blackwall Tunnel’s fire detection system in July, which requires closure of the southbound tunnel.

It will be closed between 1am on 21 July to 5am on 23 July and between 12.01am on Sunday 25 July to 5am on Monday 26 July.

The  northbound Blackwall tunnel  will remain open throughout.

TfL regularly maintains its tunnels to ensure that they are safe to use.

Upgrades to the Blackwall  Tunnel’s fire detection system are needed to ensure they work optimally in the event of a fire.

These works are to install a linear heat detection system (LHD) above the carriageway, which is part of an upgrade to the current fire detection system.

Roads in the surrounding area and nearby alternative routes across the river are expected to be busy and delays are likely.

For longer journeys, people are advised to consider routes away from the centre of London, such as the A406 or M25 and use river crossings further out to complete journeys.

People traveling locally on Sunday 25 July are encouraged to use the Jubilee line or DLR services across the river.

Glynn Barton, TfL’s Director of Network Management, said: ”Safety is our top priority, and this critical closure of the southbound Blackwall Tunnel is essential to ensure the tunnel remains safe for people to use.

“I’d like to ask people in the area who need to travel to plan ahead for their journeys and to thank them for their patience while we carry out this work.”