[2] The original plan called for the road to be built as far as the River Lea, and it is shown ending there on Richard Horwood's 1807 map of London.

In June 1809, an Act of Parliament was passed to build a crossing over the Lea towards Barking, in order to improve communications between London and Tilbury Fort.

An iron bridge was designed by John Rennie, but the final chosen plan was from James Walker and Alfred Burges.

By 1827, an hourly coach service was set up between the City of London and the East India Docks, covering the route in 45 minutes.

The railway was built as anticipated, but well to the south, allowing the East India Dock Road to compete as a major transport thoroughfare.

In 1959, when the newer western tunnel was dug, the inscription was moved to its present position underneath East India Dock Road itself.