Usage
Like many other London tunnels and bridges, the Rotherhithe Tunnel now carries far more traffic than it was designed for. It was well-used from the start, with 2,600 vehicles a day using it soon after it opened — a figure which was seen as easily justifying the expense of its construction. By 1955, usage had quadrupled to 10,500 vehicles a day and by 2005 usage had tripled again, to over 34,000 vehicles a day. The tunnel's heavy usage, particularly during rush hours, can lead to significant congestion and tailbacks in the vicinity.
Alternative crossings include Tower Bridge to the west or the Greenwich foot tunnel to the east. Rotherhithe station is almost adjacent to the southern tunnel entrance, whilst Wapping station is the closest station on the north side to the tunnel entrance in Limehouse.
Pedestrians may still use the tunnel and although approximately 20 do so per day, travelling this route on foot is not advised, due to the high levels of pollution produced by the traffic. For safety, most cyclists ride along the ramp on either side of the carriageway, rather than using the carriageway itself.
Read more about this topic: Rotherhithe Tunnel
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