Drivers are being urged to brace for major disruption throughout all of this weekend on one of London’s busiest travel routes.

The Blackwall Tunnel will shut to southbound traffic this weekend, potentially sparking significant delays across the capital, Transport for London (TfL) said.

The major stretch will close from midnight on Saturday before reopening at 5am on Monday. Bosses said the closure is necessary as work continues on a new road layout on the A102.

The work is part of the ongoing £2.2 billion Silvertown Tunnel Project expected to open in 2025.

The controversial plans aim to ease congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel by providing an underground route linking eastern areas to the Greenwich Peninsula.

TfL has advised that while the tunnel will remain open to northbound traffic this weekend, there may be diversions on the approach.

Drivers have also been warned as TfL expects roads and alternative river crossings in east and central London to be “extremely busy with long delays to your journey”

Motorists have also been urged to avoid non-essential travel and consider using the tube or railway.

A TfL spokesperson said: “If you need to drive during these closures, plan ahead, check before you travel and allow more time for your journey.

“If you need to cross the river, consider using crossings away from central London.”

A four-metre height restriction will be enforced on the northbound tunnel, impacting HGVs and other large vehicles. There will also be weight restrictions during the closure.