Remember when Silvertown was synonymous with docklands and industry? The Silvertown Way Viaduct, once a vital artery, embodies that era. Let’s delve into its story.
The Silvertown Way Viaduct was not just a bridge. It was a bold solution to a crippling problem. Imagine lorries laden with goods inching along narrow streets. Picture swing bridges halting traffic for what seemed like an eternity. In 1902, factory owners were already protesting about the congestion. By 1924, Victoria Dock Road was in chaos. It carried almost all the lorry traffic for the world’s busiest docks. It was only 21 feet wide. The road was crossed by numerous side streets. There were two level crossings. The traffic was often completely blocked for nine out of 24 hours.
Silvertown Way emerged as a solution. It was a mile-long elevated highway. This engineering marvel was designed to relieve the congestion plaguing the Royal Docks area. Opened in September 1934, it swiftly transformed the commute.
The Silvertown Way was more than just concrete and steel. It represented a significant investment. The estimated cost was £2,500,000. Local authorities gladly granted £630,000. The rest came from the Road Fund.
Think about the sheer scale of the project. It required demolishing 500 houses. Around 3,600 people were displaced. Before construction even began, a new village of 600 houses and flats was built to rehouse them.
Consider the engineering challenges. The ground beneath the roadways consisted of mud and peat. It couldn’t support heavy loads. The new road was designed to handle giant lorries weighing up to 100 tons.
Silvertown Way itself split into three sections. The central section rose to form the viaduct. It soared 25 feet above the side roads. These side roads catered to local traffic. The viaduct ran for three-quarters of a mile without interruption. Lorries could maintain a steady 30 mph. Silvertown Way measured 40 feet between kerbs. It had enough space for four lanes of traffic.
The viaduct skimmed over crossroads and railways. It included eight reinforced concrete bridges. One spanned the entrance channel of the Tidal Basin.
Imagine the view from the Silvertown Way Viaduct. You would have been level with the rooftops. The great stream of traffic flowed without delay.
Sadly, this vital piece of infrastructure met its end in 1995. It was demolished due to the redevelopment of the area. The decline of the docks, closure of rail routes, and a new road network sealed its fate. The Docklands Light Railway now follows part of its route. The eastern part became offices, parking, and a hotel for City Airport.
Today, little remains of the Silvertown Way Viaduct. However, its legacy lives on. It reminds us of London’s industrious past and the innovative solutions that shaped the city. As we move forward, let’s not forget the story of the Silvertown Way Viaduct. It was a testament to engineering ingenuity.