BAM, in partnership with Ferrovial and SK ecoplant under the joint venture Riverlinx, has completed the Silvertown Tunnel, a major infrastructure milestone connecting Silvertown in Newham with the Greenwich Peninsula.

Spanning 1.4 kilometres beneath the River Thames, the new tunnel aims to significantly reduce congestion and improve public transport links in East London. Once operational, it is expected to cut journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak periods, while also enhancing the reliability of bus services in the area.

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Designed with environmental sustainability at its core, the tunnel is projected to contribute positively to air quality, supporting London’s broader goals for a cleaner, greener future.

Construction of the Silvertown Tunnel was no small feat. Delivered on schedule despite global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical disruptions such as the war in Ukraine, the project was completed in just over five years. A major highlight of the build was the use of the UK’s largest tunnel boring machine (TBM) to date — an 82-metre-long, 11.9-metre-diameter, 1,800-tonne engineering giant that played a key role in delivering the tunnel safely and efficiently.

Beyond its engineering achievements, the project has also made a significant social impact. Riverlinx created hundreds of career opportunities for young people through apprenticeship programmes and community engagement. The team hosted school visits throughout the build, aiming to inspire the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.