Crossrail is introducing a free shuttle bus to help residents get around North Woolwich and reduce the impact caused by tunnelling work.

A one way system is being introduced from April 6, which means that traffic will only be able to travel east along Albert Road —although residents will also be able to use a crossover into Factory Road to travel west.

Project Manager of Thames Tunnel, Gus Scott, said: “Local people were understandably concerned that their bus services were being affected by traffic management arrangements for our works. We’ve acted on those concerns and worked hard to arrange this new, free shuttle service for residents.”

Bus 473 services will no longer be able to divert down residential streets and will instead terminate at London City Airport.

Services will generally operate every seven to eight minutes and will serve all bus stops in an easterly direction along Albert Road. Services will start at 5.30am and operate through to 1.30am.

The free shuttle buses will run in a loop from London City Airport, travelling east along Albert Road to the Woolwich Ferry then continuing along Woolwich Manor Way, then west along Royal Albert Way and Victoria Dock Road to Prince Regent before returning to London City Airport via Connaught Bridge. Passengers will be able to change on to the route 473 at London City Airport or the 473 and 474 at Prince Regent.

Residents with queries can contact the Crossrail 24-hour public helpdesk on 0345 602 3813 or email helpdesk@crossrail.co.uk