A MAJOR tunnel used by thousands every day has closed “until further notice” over a “public safety issue”.
Commuters and pedestrians have been advised to seek alternative routes.
3
3
The Woolwich foot tunnel is used by around 1.5 million people a year to cross the river Thames.
It stretches from Old Woolwich in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to North Woolwich in the London Borough of Newham.
The tunnel is usually open 24 hours a day to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river when the Woolwich Free Ferry service is not operating.
It takes about 15 minutes to walk it and there are stairs and lifts at each entrance.
But this isn’t the first time the foot tunnel has closed.
In September 2010 it closed to all users due to structural weakness and didn’t reopen until December 2011, four months later than expected.
Now, the tunnel is “closed until further notice because of a public safety issue.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council said: “We are working to rectify this as soon as we can.
“Please use an alternative route.
“The Uber Boat by Thames Clipper can be boarded at Woolwich Pier and the ferry runs until 10pm.”
The Woolwich foot tunnel opened in 1912 and was designed by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice and built by Walter Scott & Middleton.
Usually when the foot tunnel is closed, users are advised to use the DLR between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal or the Woolwich Ferry.
But be warned, you’ll have to pay the fare.
It comes after plans to demolish a vital bridge used by 100s in a beauty-spot town was announced.
The narrow footbridge in Brockenhurst, Hampshire has existed for over 100 years.
Around 3,500 people live in Brockenhurst, and the New Forest village is popular with tourists.
Despite plans to demolish the bridge being abandoned four years ago following a public outcry, it has once again been put on the chopping block.
Locals say the alternative route, which is a four-minute walk away, is “extremely hazardous,” yet no one listens.
3