London's continuous expansion presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in sustainability and traffic management. The Silvertown Tunnel was designed to alleviate congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and provide a seamless connection between the north and south banks of the River Thames. Beyond serving as a traffic solution, the project represents a milestone in modern engineering and a commitment to a greener, more intelligent future.

Efficient Water Management for Critical Infrastructure
In large-scale projects such as the Silvertown Tunnel, where heavy traffic and unpredictable weather conditions intersect, effective water drainage is essential. Poor drainage can result in flooding, operational disruptions, and infrastructure deterioration. To mitigate these risks, the project integrates state-of-the-art drainage systems. High-resistance monolithic channels are utilized to ensure the tunnel remains safe, fully operational, and resilient against environmental challenges.

The ULMA Kompaqdrain®-CIVIL: Engineered for Performance
At the core of the tunnel’s drainage system is the ULMA Kompaqdrain®-CIVIL 150, a high-performance channel featuring an integrated grate and a robust, single-body design capable of handling extreme loads (up to F900). Its optimized V-shaped section, combined with the MAX-FLOW® system, accelerates water movement, enhancing efficiency and creating a self-cleaning effect. This design makes it particularly well-suited for flat terrains or areas prone to debris accumulation. Additionally, its low-maintenance structure saves time and resources for operators.

The system includes versatile components such as inspection elements and sump units, simplifying maintenance and ensuring long-term efficiency. These units provide easy access for servicing, minimizing potential downtime. The channel also features lateral knockouts for horizontal outlets and can be configured in T, L, or cross layouts to accommodate the specific needs of the Silvertown Tunnel project.

Advancing Sustainable Transport
The Silvertown Tunnel represents more than just a transportation upgrade—it is a significant step toward a more sustainable London. Designed with dedicated lanes for buses and heavy goods vehicles, the tunnel prioritizes collective transport, reducing congestion and emissions. Future bus routes using the tunnel will operate exclusively with zero-emission vehicles, further decreasing environmental impact.

By seamlessly integrating advanced engineering with sustainability, the Silvertown Tunnel does more than connect two sides of the Thames—it connects people, businesses, and opportunities. It sets a new benchmark for cleaner, more efficient infrastructure in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Tailored Drainage Solutions for Infrastructure Projects
Expert guidance is available for selecting the ideal drainage solution. Contact the ULMA Architectural Solutions team.