Overview

GGR Group were selected to assist with the Silvertown Tunnel construction, a significant infrastructure project designed to improve transport connections in East London. Working with Riverlinx, GGR provided specialist lifting equipment to handle the movement of heavy steel components essential to the tunnel’s construction.

This new tunnel is the result of decades of river crossing proposals east of Tower Bridge, suggested in order to improve congestion around Blackwall Tunnel. Connecting Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula, this twin-bore road tunnel caters to two lanes of traffic going in both directions, with one lane dedicated to heavy goods vehicles and buses. With only one cross-river bus link in East London due to a lack of suitable crossings, this new construction is an essential upgrade to public transport in the area.

The Blackwall Tunnel, originally opened in 1897, before a second bore was opened in 1967, was not designed to handle today’s London congestion. As well as excessive traffic, the tunnel is also incompatible with larger, modern vehicles, often causing issues when these vehicles attempt to enter the tunnel anyway, resulting in frequent delays and closures. With dawdling vehicles resulting in long lines of standing traffic in just a few minutes, commuters are often stuck in interminable journeys or will take an alternative, longer route just to avoid the tunnel

Designed with positive change in mind, this project’s aim is to reduce traffic, increase public transport options across the river, open up new markets on both sides of the river, help manage the air quality impact of traffic congestion, and offer an alternative crossing for commuters. With a toll charge during main usage times, traffic levels can also be managed while simultaneously repaying the costs for the construction of the £2.2bn tunnel.

Challenge

Measuring 1.4km in length, this twin-bore tunnel began construction in 2021 and was completed in April of this year. GGR Group’s lifting solutions played an essential part in numerous segments of the project, including the transport of 20T steel in this massive construction site.

The busy construction site presented challenges such as rough, uneven terrain, and transporting heavy loads underneath low structures and through confined spaces. Due to these challenges, it was clear that conventional lifting and transport methods were not suitable. Riverlinx needed a solution that could navigate uneven terrain while ensuring the safe and efficient movement of these massive components.

Solution

GGR Group supplied four Tracked Leveller 6.0s, heavy-duty materials carriers with bi-levelling technology. Ideal for transporting heavy loads across challenging terrain, these 6-tonne capacity tracked carriers offer full manoeuvrability and control, taking on gradients of up to 25° all while keeping loads completely level.

On site, the tracked levellers worked in tandem to carefully transport the 20-tonne steel across the challenging terrain. With four operators manoeuvring the machines, communication and the Tracked Leveller 6.0’s precise controls were essential to safely moving the extremely heavy load.

Measuring just 1440mm in height, the Tracked Leveller was able to navigate beneath low ceilings and overhead obstructions with ease. Unlike cranes or other lifting alternatives, the Tracked Leveller 6.0 can transport heavy loads without occupying excessive space, making it a more practical choice in confined environments. Additionally, the Tracked Levellers could tandem carry the 20-tonne load with greater stability and control, whereas cranes performing a tandem lift would require significantly more coordination and precision.

Conclusion

By integrating the 6.0 Tracked Levellers into the Silvertown Tunnel project, GGR Group provided a lifting solution that prioritised efficiency, safety, and precision. Their ability to move heavy steel components ensured that work remained on track, helping Riverlinx meet its project deadlines. Through providing a tailored lifting solution that optimised site operations and improved safety, this essential new route across the River Thames is now open to the public.