The Rotherhithe Tunnel has reopened after the busy route was forced to close due to an issue with the fire safety system, creating lengthy delays across the city.
The sudden closure left motorists facing long delays crossing the Thames, with traffic monitor Inrix warning the tunnel is shut in both directions with “no estimate for reopening” for most of Tuesday.
The closure caused congestion to the A13 through Shadwell and Whitechapel, and Jamaica Road towards central London through Bermondsey.
It appeared to also have a knock-on effect on other Thames crossings, with delays reported near the Blackwall Tunnel and Tower Bridge.
A TfL spokesperson said: “The Rotherhithe Tunnel has now re-opened and we apologise for the disruption caused by its closure.
“This was due to an issue that had been identified with the tunnel’s fire safety system, which has now been fixed.
“We reopened the tunnel as soon as it was safe to do so and we would like to thank people travelling in the area for their patience during the closure.”
Follow latest updates below…
Rotherhithe Tunnel reopens
18:07 , Jacob Phillips
The Rotherhithe Tunnel has reopened after hours of disruption caused by an issue with the tunnel’s fire safety system.
A TfL spokesperson said: “The Rotherhithe Tunnel has now re-openedand we apologise for the disruption caused by its closure.
“This was due to an issue that had been identified with the tunnel’s fire safety system, which has now been fixed.
“We reopened the tunnel as soon as it was safe to do so and we would like to thank people travelling in the area for their patience during the closure.”
Rotherhithe Tunnel remains closed due to technical problems
17:19 , Jacob Phillips
The Rotherhithe Tunnel remains closed in both directions due to technical problems.
Congestion has built up to the A13 through Shadwell and Whitechapel due to the issue. It has also built up from Jamaica Road through Bermondsey.There is also congestion on Tower Bridge due to people looking for an alternative route.
Metropolitan Line delays end
15:17 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
The earlier severe delays on the Metropolitan Line have now ended.
There is now a good service running on all Underground lines, says TfL, as well as on the Overground and DLR.
Severe delays on Metropolitan Line
14:10 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
There are severe delays on the Metropolitan Line between Moor Park and Chesham, says TfL, due to an earlier obstruction on the track.
The next departure from Chesham will be at approximately 2.30pm, it says. There is a good service on the rest of the line.
‘No expected resolution time’ for Rotherhithe Tunnel closure, says TfL
14:01 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
TfL is yet to provide an official statement on the ongoing Rotherhithe Tunnel closure, but has provided some updates on the situation on X.
Responding to a query from one passenger, it said: “Engineers have been tasked to the location to investigate as a priority. However, we are unable to confirm an expected resolution time at the moment.”
Engineers have been tasked to the location to investigate as a priority. However, we are unable to confirm an expected resolution time at the moment.
^GR— TfL (@TfL) September 10, 2024
Tower Bridge busier than usual amid Rotherhithe Tunnel closure
11:44 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Traffic is heavier than usual on Tower Bridge, as motorists use other Thames crossings amid the Rotherhithe Tunnel closure.
Congestion is backing up on either side of the Thames on the approach to Tower Bridge, says traffic monitoring system Inrix.
Traffic is also heavier than usual in the Blackwall Tunnel in east London.
Major disruption between Sevenoaks and south east London
11:14
National Rail is reporting major disruption between Sevenoaks and Bickley/Grove Park in south east London, after a fault was found during a track inspection at Petts Wood.
Urgent repairs to the railway means all lines are currently closed, it says.
“Trains are unable to run between Sevenoaks and Grove Park / Bickley and will be diverted where possible via Bat & Ball until approximately 12pm.” it says.
“There is currently no estimate for when the line will reopen at present. Therefore, major disruption is expected to continue until 3pm.”
Southeastern services to and from London Cannon Street and Charing Cross are being affected.
Thameslink services are no longer being affected by the disruption.
West Ham station shut due to fire alert
10:50 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
West Ham DLR Station has been shut while TfL responds to a fire alert.
There is currently a good service operating on all Underground lines, as well as the DLR and Overground.
Blackwall Tunnel extra busy amid Rotherhithe closure
10:37 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
The Blackwall Tunnel appears to be congested this morning, as increased traffic is forced to use the river crossing while Rotherhithe Tunnel is closed.
Traffic monitoring system Inrix says traffic is tailing back on both sides of the river.
Rotherhithe Tunnel shut due to ‘technical issues’
10:30 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Good morning, and welcome to our live blog.
The A101 Rotherhithe Tunnel is currently closed in both directions due to “technical problems”.
There are delays tailing back on the approach to the tunnel in each direction, according to traffic monitoring website Inrix.
On the north side of the river, congestion is tailing back to the A13 through Shadwell and Whitechapel, while on the south side it is tailing back to Jamaica Road into town through Bermondsey.
No estimate for a reopening has yet been given.