The new Silvertown Tunnel, one of the major infrastructure projects underway in London, will feature advanced drainage systems designed and manufactured by ULMA Architectural Solutions. This key work aims to reduce traffic congestion in the British capital and improve the connection between the north and south banks of the River Thames.
The constant growth of cities such as London poses major challenges in terms of mobility, sustainability and traffic management. In this context, the Silvertown Tunnel presents itself as a strategic solution to alleviate the saturation of the Blackwall Tunnel and offer an efficient alternative for urban transport in the city.
This new infrastructure incorporates exclusive lanes for buses and heavy goods vehicles, encouraging the use of collective transport and reducing polluting emissions. In addition, all bus routes operating in the tunnel will use zero-emission vehicles, thus contributing to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.


High-performance drainage for essential infrastructure
The tunnel will be equipped with a state-of-the-art drainage system developed by ULMA Architectural Solutions, capable of responding to the demands of an environment with heavy traffic and changing weather conditions. Its main mission: to prevent flooding, interruptions in tunnel operation and possible structural damage.
At the heart of the system is the ULMA Kompaqdrain®-CIVIL 150 channel, a robust monolithic solution with integrated grating, designed to withstand high traffic loads. Its curved geometry and patented MAX-FLOW® system accelerate water evacuation, improving hydraulic efficiency and generating a self-cleaning effect. This feature makes it a particularly suitable option for sub-fluvial tunnels and areas of difficult maintenance.
The system is complemented by inspection units and sumps designed to facilitate access, simplify cleaning tasks and reduce downtime, ensuring optimal long-term performance.
With this collaboration, ULMA reinforces its positioning as a provider of intelligent solutions for essential infrastructures, committed to innovation, sustainability and reliability in the urban environment.