A LONDON-based tunnel has unexpectedly closed following “technical problems” – with “no estimate” when it will likely reopen.
The sudden closure left motorists facing long delays on Tuesday – with knock-on effects felt to the Blackwall Tunnel and Tower Bridge.
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Rotherhithe Tunnel is currently closed with no time given for when motorists can expect it to reopen.
According to traffic monitor Inrix, the tunnel is shut in both directions with “no estimate for reopening”.
The closure has caused delays and traffic on Jamaica Road towards central London through Bermondsey to the A13 through Shadwell and Whitechapel.
It’s even caused a knock-on effect – with delays being reported on the approaches to the Blackwall Tunnel and Tower Bridge.
Drivers are being advised to look for alternative routes.
According TFL, engineers “have been tasked to the location to investigate as a priority.”
They added: “We are unable to confirm an expected resolution time at the moment.”
The Rotherhithe Tunnel was built in 1908 and was not designed to cope with modern levels of traffic.
This means vehicles over a certain size are not allowed in the tunnel and as a result are directed to use Tower Bridge or the Blackwall Tunnel instead.
This comes just days after it was revealed Blackwall tunnel and the upcoming Silvertown tunnel are set to introduce a toll.
The tunnels are set to start charging motorists in 2025 – with the proposed charge to be £1.50.
The Silvertown tunnel is still under construction but is set to open in 2025 bringing the charges in with it.
There will be no charge between 10pm and 6am on weekdays or weekends.
But during peak times, a £4 fee will be imposed on northbound trips from 6am to 10am and southbound from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.
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