NORTH WOOLWICH LINE

 

 

Opened in 1846 between Stratford and Canning Town, the line was extended to North Woolwich the following year. Services were extended north to Palace Gates in 1887 although that line (northwards from Seven Sisters) was closed to passengers in 1963.

1979 saw the North Woolwich branch incorporated into the North London Line, pre-empting the closure of the Broad Street line (Broad Street station had hitherto provided the eastern terminus for the North London Line).

All North London line services were withdrawn from the section south of Stratford in 2006. The DLR extension to Stratford International will take over the line as far south as Canning Town. The Custom House to North Woolwich section will be used by Crossrail.

 

 

 

Connaught Road tunnel (aka Albert Dock tunnel / Silvertown tunnel)

 


When the Victoria Dock was built, a swing bridge was put in at its entrance. However it was thought that the opening and closing of the bridge would interfere with the train services so a new route was built to the north of the dock. The route of the line was interruped again when the adjacent Albert Dock was opened; a new cut & cover tunnel was built underneath its entrance.

 

Looking back toward the Custom House direction, this is the south-eastern change from dual track tunnel to single track tunnels. The northbound track exists in its tunnel but here and behind the photographer, it has been removed completely.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 

Still looking back toward the Custom House direction but from a point closer to Silvertown.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 

Looking from the tunnel portal in a south-easterly direction toward Silvertown.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 

The tunnel portal at the south-eastern end and the 1878 inscription.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 

Dusk view.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 

Looking toward Silvertown. The DLR flyover can be seen at the top of the photo.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 

Looking back toward the Custom House direction. The tunnel was used in the Guy Ritchie 2008 film RocknRolla.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 

Looking back toward the Custom House direction but at the beginning of the buttressed section.

(photo: 2009)

 

 

 


Heading up the incline toward Silvertown station shortly before the closure of the branch. Note the third rail, removed after closure.

(photo: 2006)

 

 

 


Approaching Silvertown station.

(photo: 2006)

 

 

 

Reference: London Railways by Edwin Course. B T Batsford Ltd, London, 1962.

 

 

North Woolwich Line: Silvertown