Silvertown Tunnel permission

• The Silvertown Tunnel (North) GVD 2023. The online GVD is an unexecuted version of the document, but identical in all material ways to the executed version which is signed, sealed and dated 19 April 2023 

• The Silvertown Tunnel (Newham Highways) GVD 2023. The online GVD is an unexecuted version of the document, but identical in all material ways to the executed version which is signed, sealed and dated 17 April 2023

• The Silvertown Tunnel (Tunnel) GVD 2023. The online GVD is an unexecuted version of the document, but identical in all material ways to the executed version which is signed, sealed and dated 10 February 2023

• The Silvertown Tunnel (North Portal Access) GVD 2022. The online GVD is an unexecuted version of the document, but identical in all material ways to the executed version which is signed, sealed and dated 19 December 2022

• The Silvertown Tunnel South Portal (Greenwich) GVD 2022. The online GVD is an unexecuted version of the document, but identical in all material ways to the executed version which is signed, sealed and dated 30 November 2022

• The Silvertown Tunnel Greenwich Highways GVD 2022. The online GVD is an unexecuted version of the document, but identical in all material ways to the executed version which is signed, sealed and dated 21 July 2022

Copies of executed GVDs can be inspected at our offices at: 5 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN.

Supporting documents

These documents are intended to help explain the Silvertown Tunnel scheme in more detail to a non-technical audience. Our consultation booklet provides an overview of all the key elements and effects of the scheme.

The 'Guide to the consultation documents' sets out a plain English summary of the purpose, methodology and main findings of each of the technical reports.

The following documents outline our assessment of a range of alternative options for addressing the challenges at the Blackwall Tunnel and what effect the Silvertown Tunnel scheme might have on users of the River Thames.

The 'Statement of community consultation' explains other ways you can access the documents on this page, as well as how to contact us and register your views.

Main case

These reports are part of a suite of documents that support the statutory public consultation for the Silvertown Tunnel scheme. Among other issues they set out the impacts and benefits of the scheme.

Preliminary case for the scheme

Sets out how the Silvertown Tunnel scheme was developed and the main alternatives that were considered. It outlines the benefits of the scheme and how it meets its objectives.

Also includes in Appendix C our 'Preliminary monitoring and mitigation strategy'. This sets out how we would monitor traffic, air quality and noise levels.

Preliminary charging report

Outlines the user charging proposals for the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels and sets out TfL's reasons for proposing user charging, the proposed structure and implementation of the charge and the objectives TfL would take into account in setting the charge and varying it in the future.

Preliminary transport assessment

Details the main transport impacts of the scheme for all forms of travel and what measures would be taken to minimise any adverse impacts. It also examines road network impacts and impacts on public transport networks and walking and cycling.

Preliminary design and access statement

Sets out the outline scheme design. It demonstrates why it is a suitable response to the site and its setting, taking into account existing and future planned development and that it can be adequately and safely accessed. It also sets out the design principles which will inform the detailed design, providing examples of how the scheme may develop in the future.

Preliminary engineering report

Explains the proposed design of the scheme from an engineering perspective and sets out the assumed method of construction.

Preliminary maps, plans and drawings

Displays the physical elements of the scheme. It includes:

• A location map
• Plans showing the proposed works and how these tie-in to the existing highway network
• An outline of the land required for the safe construction and operation of the scheme
• A series of engineering cross-sections through the tunnels and tunnel approach roads

Preliminary environmental information report (PEIR)

Describes the scheme and the main alternatives considered. A non-technical summary of the PEIR is also available - it summarises the PEIR in plain English.

The PEIR sets out the environmental baseline information, provides an assessment of likely environmental effects and, where necessary, describes mitigation measures that would avoid, reduce or offset the adverse environmental effects.

PEIR technical drawings

The PEIR includes a number of technical drawings referenced in each chapter.

Drawing 4-1 Limits of land to be acquired or used (PDF 2.7MB)
Drawing 6-1a Air quality study area (PDF 7.1MB)
Drawing 6-1b Air quality study area (PDF 5.8MB)
Drawing 6-1c Air quality study area (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 6-1d Air quality study area (PDF 6.2MB)
Drawing 6-2a Base year 2012 modelled roads (PDF 7.2MB)
Drawing 6-2b Base year 2012 modelled roads (PDF 5.8MB)
Drawing 6-2c Base year 2012 modelled roads (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 6-2d Base year 2012 modelled roads (PDF 6.2MB)
Drawing 6-3a Reference case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 7.2MB)
Drawing 6-3b Reference case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 5.8MB)
Drawing 6-3c Reference case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 6-3d Reference case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 6.2MB)
Drawing 6-4a Assessed case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 7.2MB)
Drawing 6-4b Assessed case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 5.8MB)
Drawing 6-4c Assessed case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 7.5MB)
Drawing 6-4d Assessed case 2021 modelled roads (PDF 6.2MB)
Drawing 6-5e Worst case receptors (PDF 3.2MB)
Drawing 6-5f Worst case receptors (PDF 3.1MB)
Drawing 6-5g Worst case receptors (PDF 2.8MB)
Drawing 6-5i Worst case receptors (PDF 3.3MB)
Drawing 6-5j Worst case receptors (PDF 3.0MB)
Drawing 6-5n Worst case receptors (PDF 3.1MB)
Drawing 6-5o Worst case receptors (PDF 2.8MB)
Drawing 6-6b Monitoring location NO2 (PDF 2.9MB)
Drawing 6-6e Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 3.2MB)
Drawing 6-6f Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 2.5MB)
Drawing 6-6g Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 2.8MB)
Drawing 6-6i Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 3.3MB)
Drawing 6-6j Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 3.0MB)
Drawing 6-6k Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 2.5MB)
Drawing 6-6l Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 2.4MB)
Drawing 6-6n Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 3.1MB)
Drawing 6-6o Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 2.8MB)
Drawing 6-6p Monitoring locations NO2 (PDF 2.5MB)
Drawing 6-7a Monitoring locations PM10 and PM2.5 (PDF 7.2MB)
Drawing 6-7b Monitoring locations PM10 and PM2.5 (PDF 5.8MB)
Drawing 6-7c Monitoring locations PM10 and PM2.5 (PDF 7.5MB)
Drawing 6-7d Monitoring locations PM10 and PM2.5 (PDF 6.2MB)
Drawing 6-8e Local air quality NO2 (PDF 3.2MB)
Drawing 6-8f Local air quality NO2 (PDF3.1MB)
Drawing 6-8g Local air quality NO2 (PDF 2.8MB)
Drawing 6-8i Local air quality NO2 (PDF 3.3MB)
Drawing 6-8j Local air quality NO2 (PDF 3.0MB)
Drawing 6-8n Local air quality NO2 (PDF 3.1MB)
Drawing 6-8o Local air quality NO2 (PDF 2.8MB)
Drawing 6-9a Air quality constraints (PDF 2.8MB)
Drawing 6-9b Air quality constraints (PDF 8.6MB)
Drawing 6-9c Air quality constraints (PDF 10.3MB)
Drawing 6-9d Air quality constraints (PDF 8.3MB)
Drawing 7-1 Community and private assets (PDF 11.1MB)
Drawing 8-1 Cultural heritage constraints (PDF 5.0MB)
Drawing 9-1 Statutory sites (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 9-2 Non-statutory sites (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 9-3 Phase 1 habitat survey sheet 1 of 2 (PDF 1.6MB)
Drawing 9-3 Phase 1 habitat survey sheet 2 of 2 (PDF 1.1MB)
Drawing 9-4 Ecological impact assessment permanent and temporary loss (PDF 2.3MB)
Drawing 9-5 Mitigation map (PDF 2.0MB)
Drawing 10-1 Marine mammal sightings (PDF 7.3MB)
Drawing 14-1 Construction receptors and operational study area (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 14-2 Operational ventilation noise receptors (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 14-3 Noise monitoring locations (PDF 7.4MB)
Drawing 14-4 Noise important areas and other sensitive receptors (PDF 7.7MB)
Drawing 14-5 Road road traffic noise mitigation (PDF 418KB)
Drawing 14-6 Short term noise impacts (PDF 7.6MB)
Drawing 14-7 Long term noise impacts with scheme (PDF 7.6MB)
Drawing 14-8 Long term noise impacts without scheme (PDF 7.5MB)
Drawing 15-1 Townscape and visual considerations (PDF 2.6MB)
Drawing 15-2 Photographs: Viewpoint 1 (PDF 947KB)
Drawing 15-2 Photographs: Viewpoint 2 (PDF 871KB)
Drawing 15-2 Photographs: Viewpoint 3 (PDF 914KB)
Drawing 15-2 Photographs: Viewpoint 4 (PDF 858KB)
Drawing 16-1 Water bodies and water courses (PDF 2.9MB)
Drawing 17-1 Base case developments (PDF 13.6MB)
Drawing 17-2 Cumulative developments (PDF 7.4MB)

PEIR appendices

The PEIR also includes several appendices. These include:

• A framework for managing and controlling possible impacts arising from the construction of the scheme
• The means by which waste would be managed and minimised
• The opportunities for minimising CO2 emissions during construction and operation of the tunnel

Appendix 1.A National networks national policy statement compliance (PDF 254KB)
Appendix 3.A Options summary table (PDF 266KB)
Appendix 4.A Preliminary code of construction practice (PDF 707KB)
Appendix 4.B Navigational risk assessment (PDF 3.1MB)
Appendix 4.C Preliminary maps, plans and drawings (PDF 20.6MB)
Appendix 5.A Scoping response table (PDF 868KB)
Appendix 6.A Air quality impacts - Verification (PDF 369KB)
Appendix 8.A Cultural heritage impacts - Gazetteer of heritage assets (PDF 214KB)
Appendix 8.B Cultural impacts - Geoarchaeological modelling (PDF 4.5MB)
Appendix 9.A Terrestrial ecology - Target notes and dedicated species assessments for reptiles, black redstart and bats (PDF 1.1MB)
Appendix 9.B Terrestrial ecology - Invertebrates survey report (PDF 692KB)
Appendix 9.C Terrestrial ecology - Habitat regulations assessment (PDF 772KB)
Appendix 10.A Marine ecology - Water framework directive assessment (PDF 243KB)
Appendix 11.A Effects on all travellers - Baseline existing highway network on approach to the scheme (PDF 277KB)
Appendix 11.B Effects on all travellers - Summary of predicted 2021 traffic flow percentage increases for the scheme (PDF 238KB)
Appendix 11.C Effects on all travellers - Summary of predicted 2036 traffic flow percentage increases for the scheme (PDF 245KB)
Appendix 12.A Geology and soils - Borehole location plan (PDF 3.2MB)
Appendix 13.A Site waste management plan (PDF 2.4MB)
Appendix 14.A Noise and vibration - Construction noise (PDF 26.5MB)
Appendix 14.B Noise and vibration - Noise baseline monitoring data (PDF 3.6MB)
Appendix 14.C Noise and vibration - Vibration and groundborne noise from the tunnel boring machine (PDF 1.2MB)
Appendix 14.D Noise and vibration - Ventilation noise (PDF 805KB)
Appendix 15.A Townscape & visual amenity - Tunnel approach street lighting design (PDF 1.3MB)
Appendix 16.A Water - Flood risk assessment (PDF 14.1MB)
Appendix 16.B Water - Hydrodynamics assessment (PDF 5.3MB)
Appendix 16.C Water - Flood warning and evacuation plan (PDF 438KB)
Appendix 16.D Water - River wall condition survey (PDF 7.7MB)
Appendix 17.A Cumulative effects - Base case and cumulatives project tables (PDF 247KB)

Preliminary sustainability statement

An appraisal of the scheme's sustainability credentials. It assesses the scheme using a number of methods, including TfL's Sustainability Assessment Toolkit.

Preliminary energy statement

Assesses the opportunities for minimising CO2 emissions during construction and operation of the tunnel. It considers the implementation of passive design measures, energy efficiency, and low and zero carbon technologies.

Preliminary equality impact assessment

Assesses the scheme's potential impacts on equalities groups. The assessment outlines potential mitigation measures to achieve a positive impact.

Preliminary health impact assessment

Assesses the scheme's impact on human health and wellbeing. The HIA seeks to recommend mitigation that may improve health and reduce inequalities in health.

Preliminary outline business case

Sets out the outline business case for the scheme and assesses:

• Its strategic need and compliance with public policy
• Its value for money
• Whether it is commercially viable and can be financed
• Whether TfL has the capacity and ability to deliver the scheme

We have also included a number of appendices to the outline business case. These consider:

• The extent to which the scheme could affect specific social groups
• The social impacts the scheme could bring about
• The analysis undertaken for the scheme's economic case
• An assessment of how the scheme would affect economic activity at a local, sub-regional, and London level

Background reports

These reports contain supplementary information about the Silvertown Tunnel scheme or its impacts. We have published them because they are referenced in some of the reports included in the Main case section.

Health impact assessment (HIA) scoping opinion

Sets out the matters that were identified as relevant for consideration in the HIA and a proposed scope and methodology. This was consulted on with relevant health related stakeholders and the results of this informed the development of the preliminary HIA.

Silvertown Tunnel business survey

We commissioned market research to provide updated information on the opinions of businesses on the Silvertown Tunnel scheme.

Consultation launch event

On 15 October 2014, we held an event to launch our consultation on the Silvertown Tunnel scheme. The slides we used and a short paper with some notes about the event are available here.

Outcomes of the consultation

In March 2015 we published a consultation report, setting out the range of issues raised in the consultation held at the end of 2014. In June 2015 we then published a 'Responses to issues raised' report, setting out our response to these issues.

Environmental impact assessment

Outlines the proposed methodology to be used to assess the environmental impacts of the scheme and the information that will be included within the Environmental statement - it was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for comment on 25 June 2014

Scoping opinion

Contains the scoping opinion as provided by the Secretary of State in respect of the proposed content and methodology of the Environmental statement for the Silvertown Tunnel - it was provided to TfL following submission and consideration of the Environmental impact assessment scoping report in June 2014

River crossings development study

Assesses how a number of proposed options for new river crossings (in combination with other transport and regeneration initiatives) could bring about job creation and delivery of new homes

River crossings business survey

Reports on the outcome of a survey conducted with 800 businesses in eight east London boroughs, to gauge their reaction to proposals for new river crossings

New Thames rivers crossing

Five reports that:

• Examine the engineering feasibility of options for new river crossings in east London
• Investigate the feasibility of a road-tunnel crossing at Silvertown
• Explore options for providing emergency escape and pedestrian access in the tunnel
• Set out the rationale behind the chosen highway alignment and how the route selection process accommodated the IFS Cloud Cable Car
• Summarise the findings of a sustainability appraisal to review a number of options for new river crossings for east London

Tunnel engineering

Presents studies into both bored and immersed-tube tunnels as options for building a new tunnel at Silvertown, and further develops the concept of a bored tunnel approach at Silvertown

Topographical survey

Outlines the outputs of a topographical survey undertaken in the vicinity of the proposed scheme

Ground investigation desk study

Three reports setting out:

• Proposed studies for a ground investigation at Silvertown and Gallions Reach
• Details of the ground investigation desk study into a number of potential river crossing options
• Geotechnical considerations of a number of potential river crossings

Phase 1 - Contamination assessment

Assesses contamination risks associated with building a tunnel at Silvertown

Highway infrastructure design

Builds on previous studies to investigate the highway connections necessary between the proposed Silvertown Tunnel and the existing road network to the north and south

Tunnel engineering: Addendum A

Focuses on three potential adaptations to determine the impact of the Silvertown Tunnel scheme on costings and development on the Greenwich Peninsula

Silvertown Tunnel options study

Describes baseline environmental conditions in the vicinity of the Silvertown area and identifies risks associated with the project

Development impacts study

Outlines a study into the land-use impacts of various potential crossing options, including an assessment of the impact of each option on development capacity, value and planning risk

Tunnel options

Summarises the output of work to compare options for constructing a tunnel at Silvertown

Independent peer review group

Outlines the outcome of an independent expert scrutiny of the Silvertown Tunnel project and the decision to progress the scheme as a bored tunnel rather than immersed tube

East London river crossings

Details the need for additional river crossings for London and looks at potential options for resolving the needs identified - two reports

2012 informal consultation

Summarises the outcome of a consultation into the river crossings programme undertaken between 6 February and 5 March 2012

River crossings consultation

Summarises the outcome of a further consultation on the river crossings programme undertaken between 29 October 2012 and 1 February 2013

Base year development & validation

Sets out the key features of the 2012 base year traffic assignment model and examines calibration and validation data, trip matrix development and route choice, among other topics

Assessment of needs and options

Outlines the need for a new river crossing and assesses eight potential new crossing options to identify a preferred solution

Outline business case

Sets out the evidence for investing in a new crossing to address the congestion and road network resilience issues at the Blackwall Tunnel - it considers alternative options for addressing these issues and comments on the benefits that a new tunnel, with associated user charging, would provide, and presents an economic appraisal of the proposed tunnel scheme and includes an outline of the financing and procurement strategy

Introductory assessment reports

Four reports that:

• Consider the existing transport network and travel demand in east and south-east London, with a specific focus on demand for river crossings - assessing the impacts of the proposed tunnel on transport, including construction impacts and also presenting potential mitigating measures
• Outline our initial assessment of the equalities impacts of the scheme
• Outline our initial assessment of the impact of the scheme on health
• Summarise environmental work undertaken to date as part of the environmental impact assessment process for the proposed tunnel and include an initial indication of the environmental impacts of the scheme and potential mitigation measures (includes five appendices with drawings)

Traffic forecasting report

Presents the traffic impacts of the Silvertown Tunnel, examining background traffic growth, changes in traffic and related delay and the origins of trips using river crossings, among other areas

User charging

Sets out TfL's emerging approach to user charging, setting out the reasons for charging, the anticipated effects of charging and our outline charging proposal