The Woolwich Foot Tunnel located in Woolwich, London is a crossing beneath the River Thames for both pedestrians and cyclists. Safety concerns have forced the closure of the tunnel impacting thousands of daily users.
Linking Old Woolwich in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to North Woolwich in the Borough of Newham, the tunnel usually operates around the clock. It roughly sees 1.5 million crossings each year.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich issued a statement regarding the closure, saying: “We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please use an alternative route. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is available from Woolwich Pier and runs until 10pm.” Officials have emphasized that ensuring the safety of all tunnel users remains their highest priority.
Commuters can take the DLR between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal stations as a convenient alternative. However, cyclists should be aware that there may be restrictions during peak travel hours which could affect journey times. The Woolwich Ferry also remains a viable option although service schedules may vary.
It was originally designed by engineer Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice and officially opened in 1912. The Woolwich Foot Tunnel has been an important link between the north and south banks of the Thames for over a century. Throughout its history, the tunnel has faced various challenges including a major closure in 2010 due to structural problems. It remained closed for extensive repairs and reopened to the public towards the end of 2011.
In recent years, the tunnel has seen persistent maintenance issues particularly with its lifts. The north lift has been out of service since August 2022, causing inconvenience to many users. In a move to address these problems, Greenwich and Newham councils reached an agreement in August 2024 to share the cost of critical repair works. The council has delayed further progress on the repairs initially set for completion in January 2025 due to recent safety concerns.
For the latest information on the tunnel’s status, repair timelines and alternative travel options residents and commuters you can check Royal Borough of Greenwich’s official website and social media channels.
