Tunnel update - 18 July 2025
Thanks to the tireless work of the emergency services, engineers and contractors, the tunnel has undergone full structural, electrical, and safety inspections. Key systems such as the tunnel ventilation, lighting and CCTV systems are now operational and the tunnel has been cleaned, decontaminated, and resurfaced.
Thanks also to residents and local businesses for their patience and understanding during the closure. This cooperation helped ensure a safe and efficient reopening.
Tunnel update – 11 July 2025
We’re continuing to make good progress on the tunnel restoration and are on track to reopen by the end of next week (Friday 18 July).
What’s happening now?
- We’re currently waiting for a specialist part to arrive so we can bring the public address (PA) system back into operation. This is a key safety feature and must be fully functional before the tunnel can reopen
- The control cabinet that took the brunt of the damage has been repaired and the power and communications cables that connect to it (many of which were underground or hidden behind the cabinet) have been repaired and diverted where needed
- Most of the electrical distribution work has been completed and power is back on
- The tunnel has been cleaned and decontaminated, with the fire water flushed out of the drainage system
- All the required inspections have now been completed.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding and we look forward to bringing you good news of the tunnel's reopening next week.
Tunnel update – 2 July 2025
We’re making steady progress on the tunnel works, and we want to keep you informed on where things stand.
Power supply
Basic electrical function has now been restored in the tunnel, which means lighting is back on. However, this level of power isn’t enough to run essential systems like the ventilation fans or the public address (PA) system, which require a much more powerful supply. Restoring full power isn’t as simple as restoring electricity to a house. The tunnel’s systems are complex and closely connected – everything must be brought back online in the right order to avoid causing further damage. Our electrical contractors are on site over the next few days to safely bring in the additional power.
Fire damage and inspections
A structural inspection to review the stability of the tunnel is scheduled for Friday 4 July, and a mechanical and electrical inspection is planned for 7 July. These will help us understand the full extent of the fire damage and what further work is needed.
Ventilation and PA system
At this stage, the tunnel’s ventilation and public address (PA) systems are not yet operational. These are essential for safety, so the tunnel cannot reopen until they are fully restored.
Resurfacing
The tunnel road has been resurfaced which was an important first step to allow safe surface to enable access for inspection of the tunnel structure and the mechanical and electrical equipment.
Road closure and traffic management
A temporary road closure is in place (currently to 20 July). We’re also working to prevent parking in restricted areas near the site.
Next steps
While resurfacing is complete, more inspections and repairs are still needed before we have a definite date for the tunnel to safely reopen. We’ll continue to keep you updated as work progresses
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to restore the tunnel safely and thoroughly.
Tunnel update - 30 June 2025
The tunnel suffered extensive damage, including to electrical systems, lighting, communications, and the road surface. As a result, the tunnel will remain closed to all traffic for the foreseeable future while specialist contractors work to restore communications and power and check if the tunnel is safe and stable enough to reopen.
While the tunnel is closed, we’ll also use the opportunity to carry out any maintenance and improvement works that may be necessary.
We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause. The safety of road users is our top priority, and we are working to reopen the tunnel as quickly and safely as possible.
Please do not attempt to visit the site. It remains unsafe and is restricted to authorised personnel only.
A full diversion route is in place via Canterbury Road East, London Road, Grange Road, St Augustine’s Road, Paragon, Royal Approach and Military Road.
