Newham and Greenwich residents have reported that the Woolwich Foot Tunnel has long caused disturbances to their journeys.

By James Morgan

People living and working in the south of Newham have been faced with an arduous and prolonged period of inconvenience with the north lift of the Woolwich Foot Tunnel being out of service.

The lift on the Newham side of the tunnel has been halted for many months, with the south lift continuing its unpredictable yet more dependable service.

For many, the tunnel – which since 1912 has been connecting the boroughs of Newham and Greenwich some ten feet below the Thames riverbed – is a lifeline. According to The Royal Borough of Greenwich, which manages the tunnel, around 300,000 people use the service annually.

Originally built for dockers to access the industrial hub of the Royal Docks in a part of London devoid of bridges, today the tunnel is a vital thoroughfare for people commuting to work, visiting friends or family, and accessing shopping and entertainment.

This free route is particularly important for residents of North Woolwich, who have limited access to services in this isolated part of Newham. The tunnel is also a key crossriver link for walkers on the Capital Ring Walk.

While for many people the malfunctioning lift means an impromptu leg work out and lung bursting climb up over 100 steps of the spiralling staircase, for those with disabilities and mobility issues, and for parents and carers with prams, is a no-go area.

Tom Barratt cycles to work in Newham from south London during the week and uses the tunnel to cross the river (cyclists are permitted to dismount and push their bike while underground).

“My journey to work is always trouble free until I reach Woolwich and have to cross the river”, explained Tom. “The southern lift works most of the time, and it is usually repaired within a few days when it breaks down. However, the northern lift has never worked during the time I have used it. Every day I get to the northern lift, give a deep sigh, lift my bike on my shoulder and slowly walk up those 127 steps.”

Tom added that he thought that denying residents a free means of crossing the river (the costly DLR is the only other option) was deeply unfair:

“In its current state, the tunnel is inaccessible to wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility. With the ferry closing
down over the summer, many people will have had no way of crossing the river, which I think is scandalous.”

According to their official website, in a post dated June 2023, The Royal Borough of Greenwich is working hard to develop a proposal that will “ensure equal access and a better lift service for all tunnel users.” They add that they are aware of, and apologise for, the faults. With the poor care of this vital service an all too familiar and continuous reality, only the most optimistic of cross-river commuters will see light at the end of this tunnel.

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