The tunnel is just over 1200 feet in length and is at a depth of 50 feet. There is domed entrances at both ends of the tunnel. The entrances have a lift, that do not operate all day long, and spiral staircases that wrap around the outside of the lift shafts.
The tunnel opened on 4th August 1902 and was to allow workers easier access to the docks on the north side of the river.
The Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels have been undergoing works since April 2009, in an £11.5 million renewal programme. Both foot tunnels are currently open and accessible by stairs only. Please check back here for further updates on full reopening. The Council is working closely with the private contractors and surveyors to try to achieve as early a completion as possible.
The process of completely refurbishing both of these aged structures is extremely complex. They are Victorian structures running under the River Thames and this is the first time that works of this extent have taken place since they were originally built - so this has been a challenging project from the outset.
When complete, this extensive refurbishment will provide the borough with improved and reliable travel facilities.
Overall, the renewal project involves four sites, replacing all lifts, stairs, lighting, installing CCTV networks and a complete refurbishment running the length of both tunnels.
Greenwich tunnel - weekday night-time closures
Weekday night-time closures are in operation during Greenwich Foot Tunnel refurbishment works. The tunnel is closed on weekday nights between 9pm and 6am.
The stairs on both sides of the river are currently open:
Monday to Friday from 6am to 9pm
Saturday from 6am throughout the weekend until Monday 9pm.
The delay in works beyond March 2011 was caused by additional works and problems with materials used in the repairs.
Greenwich Council apologises for the inconvenience caused to foot tunnel users. Please check back here for further updates on full reopening.
Thames Clipper services run between Masthouse Terrace Pier and Greenwich Pier (the last boat from Masthouse Pier leaves at 9.49pm). Thames Clippers is only able to carry up to ten bicycles per vessel. Ticket holders will be boarded first.
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel provides a pedestrian link between Cutty Sark Gardens and Island Gardens, Tower Hamlets.
Source Royal Greenwich website.
A Bing bird's eye view of the tunnel can be seen here.