Consider this. The Southern Entrance to Woolwich Foot Tunnel is more than just a way to cross the River Thames. It’s a journey through time and engineering.
The Woolwich Foot Tunnel stands as a testament to London’s rich history. It offers pedestrians and cyclists a unique way to travel. This is especially true when the Woolwich Free Ferry isn’t running.
Let’s step back to the early 20th century. Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice designed this tunnel. Walter Scott and Middleton built it for the London County Council. Lord Cheylesmore opened it on October 26, 1912. The Southern Entrance to Woolwich Foot Tunnel played a crucial role in its creation.
Will Crooks, a working-class politician, championed the tunnel. He understood the needs of dockworkers and residents. He chaired the LCC’s Bridges Committee. Later, he became a Labour MP for Woolwich.
Finding the Southern Entrance to Woolwich Foot Tunnel can be a bit of an adventure. It’s somewhat hidden behind the Waterfront Leisure Centre. It proudly stands as the oldest remaining building in the riverside area of Old Woolwich.
As you approach the Southern Entrance to Woolwich Foot Tunnel, notice its distinctive architecture. The entrance is a Grade II listed building. This status protects its historical and architectural significance. The north entrance mirrors its southern counterpart.
Once inside the Southern Entrance to Woolwich Foot Tunnel, you have a choice. You can descend the 94 steps of the spiral staircase or take the lift. The tunnel itself stretches 1,654 feet under the river. The tunnel’s diameter is roughly nine feet. At its deepest point, the tunnel roof is about 10 feet below the riverbed.
Imagine the workers who hand-dug this tunnel. They managed to dig approximately 10 feet every 24 hours.
In 2010, Greenwich Council began upgrading the Woolwich Foot Tunnel. The works aimed to reduce leakage and improve drainage. They also installed new lifts and CCTV. Structural weaknesses in the stairways and tunnel itself caused closures.
The Woolwich Foot Tunnel reopened in December 2011.
The Woolwich Foot Tunnel has seen its share of debates. Cyclists are not permitted to cycle through the tunnel.
A 2016 survey showed that around 1,000 people use the tunnel each day. The Woolwich Foot Tunnel isn’t a public right of way. The tunnel is private property.
The Southern Entrance to Woolwich Foot Tunnel stands ready. It offers a silent passage beneath the Thames. Remember the history beneath your feet as you pass through.