The DCO was due to be determined on June 20 but last week, the secretary of state for transport, Mark Harper, issued a written ministerial statement setting a new deadline to avoid the pre-election period and allow time for any new secretary of state to consider the application.
He added, however, that the Department of Transport would “endeavour to issue the decision ahead of the new deadline”.
The Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed new road crossing connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex. It will connect to the existing road network from the A2/M2 to the M25 with two tunnels (one southbound and one northbound) running beneath the River Thames.
In December last year National Highways awarded Bouygues Travaux Publics – Murphy Joint Venture (BMJV) the Lower Thames Crossing Tunnels and Approach contract.
The date for decisions on DCOs for a new roll on-roll off ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham and London Luton Airport Expansion have also been extended.
