Breaking News: Tunnel vision ahead as engineers complete Blackwall repairs early

30 November 2009

THE Blackwall Tunnel northbound will reopen at 7pm tonight after TfL engineers worked quickly to repair fire damage to the tunnel.

Engineers have been working throughout the night and today following a fire in the tunnel, writes COLIN GRAINGER.

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer, London Streets, said:

"I would like to pay tribute to the tireless work of the emergency services, tunnel engineers and many others who have ensured we have been able to reopen the tunnel so quickly. I'm delighted that we will be able to reopen it this evening.

"We took a number of steps to mitigate the disruption and frustration to people travelling in the area. Thankfully things will now be able to return to normal."

The fire, involving a people carrier, happened at around 5.45pm on Sunday..

The Congestion Charge cameras in the area east of City Road and Blackfriars Road , which were turned off while the tunnel was closed, will be reinstated..

It is reopening to northbound traffic 48 hours earlier than expected.

"We gave it top priority and put in several teams of engineers," said a Transport for London spokesman this-evening.

"They've been working round the clock, with just a little bit of tidying up which can be done later in the week.

Northbound traffic had to be diverted all day through alternative river crossings into Central London, including Tower Bridge and London Bridge, with the partial suspension of the congestion charge. Two people were taken to hospital overcome by smoke, including an off-duty firefighter.

Four off-duty firefighters were on their way to report on shift when they were trapped by tunnel fire with the other motorists.