Until repairs are made,  the lifts cannot be operated, but access to the tunnel via the stairs will remain open 24 hours per day. Please do not attempt to use the tunnel if you have difficulty using the stairs. The climb out of the tunnel can be very challenging for people with reduced mobility or fitness.

The time needed for the repairs is due to the unique historic nature of the lifts, which require detailed conservation plans to be approved and bespoke parts to be made in order to get them running again.

Repairs would be the first phase of a plan exploring replacement of the existing lifts as even after the current issue is resolved, they remain vulnerable to further unpredictable faults. However, this initial phase would seek to increase the reliability of the service and keep it open.

The Council apologises for the inconvenience the closure has for people living and working in the borough and for those visiting the historic maritime town. Officers are working hard to develop a proposal that will ensure equal access and a better lift service for all tunnel users.

Updates about the Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels can be found at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/foot_tunnels including a frequently asked questions section. Closure information is also shared via Twitter @royal_greenwich (#GreenwichFootTunnel and #WoolwichFootTunnel). To plan alternative travel please visit tfl.gov.uk.