The Rotherhithe Tunnel has reopened after the busy route was forced to close due to an issue with the fire safety system, creating lengthy delays across the city.
The sudden closure left motorists facing long delays crossing the Thames, with traffic monitor Inrix warning the tunnel is shut in both directions with “no estimate for reopening” for most of Tuesday.
The closure caused congestion to the A13 through Shadwell and Whitechapel, and Jamaica Road towards central London through Bermondsey.
It appeared to also have a knock-on effect on other Thames crossings, with delays reported near the Blackwall Tunnel and Tower Bridge.
A TfL spokesperson said: “The Rotherhithe Tunnel has now re-opened and we apologise for the disruption caused by its closure.
“This was due to an issue that had been identified with the tunnel’s fire safety system, which has now been fixed.
“We reopened the tunnel as soon as it was safe to do so and we would like to thank people travelling in the area for their patience during the closure.”
