The Blackwall Tunnel is due to undergo a much needed facelift. Photo: Stephen Craven

TfL has announced a major £70m refurbishment of the Victorian-era Blackwall Tunnel in east London.

The northbound section of the tunnel will undergo a three-year period of renovation, beginning on 7 February 2010.

Improvements include new fire and incident detection systems, better lighting and ventilation, and a modern, comprehensive CCTV camera system.

In order to minimise disruption to the 50,000 vehicles that use the tunnel every day, TfL’s contractors BAM Nuttall say they will only carry out works at night.

Additionally, TfL will close the northbound section between 21:00 and 05:00 Sunday to Friday for the three-year period.

Northbound traffic will therefore be diverted through the southbound tunnel, where a 20mph speed limit will be enforced. Southbound traffic will be able to use alternative river crossings.

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer for Streets at TfL, said: “The Blackwall Tunnel was built during the Victorian era to transport horse-drawn carriages under the Thames. Yet more than a century later, 50,000 vehicles a day drive through this vital transport artery.”

“Our refurbishment programme will enhance the safety and security of everyone who uses the tunnel, and will prolong the life of this busy commuter route across the Thames.”