The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has confirmed the government’s commitment to deliver the proposed Lower Thames Crossing tunnel project.
Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed road crossing of the Thames estuary downstream of the Dartford Crossing, connecting the counties of Kent and Essex.
The nearly 14.3 miles (23km) route passes through the districts of Thurrock and Gravesham.
According to Rachel’s statement, the road tunnel construction would cost more than £8bn, which will be mostly financed by the private sector.
A joint venture team comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics, Murphy, Balfour Beatty and Skanska has been awarded the contract for the Lower Thames Crossing tunnel.
Balfour Beatty will build the roads North of the Thames and Skanska the roads in Kent.
National Highways has awarded the Bouygues Travaux Publics-Murphy joint venture the contract to construct the tunnels for the project, using TBM technology.
The project will become the UK’s first project to avoid the use of diesel machines on site, with all mobile equipment being either electric or hydrogen-powered, to reduce emissions targets.
It is expected to reduce the impact of construction on the local community and environment and the project will new and emerging low-carbon technologies and materials.
The project is expected to start construction in 2026, with the road opening in 2032.
Rachel Reeves said: “We will work with the private sector to deliver the infrastructure that our country desperately needs.
“This includes the Lower Thames Crossing which will improve connectivity at Dover, Felixstowe and Harwich, alleviating severe congestion as goods destined to export come from the North, and the Midlands and across the country to markets overseas.
“To drive and deliver value for money for taxpayers we are exploring options to privately finance this important project.”
Dartford Crossing serves as an important route for the UK’s economy, helping people travel between the Channel ports and the rest of the country.
The new crossing is expected to reduce the traffic congestion at Dartford, advancing the economy and providing jobs during the construction phase.
The construction and operation of the new crossing require a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Planning Inspectorate, the UK’s independent planning authority.
In October 2022, National Highways submitted its DCO application, which was examined by a panel of five independent planning inspectors, the Examining Authority.
The Examining Authority submitted a recommendation report to the Secretary of State for Transport in March 2024, which will decide on the DCO application on 23 May 2025.
Lower Thames Crossing executive director Matt Palmer said: “The Chancellor’s statement today set out the government’s commitment to delivering the Lower Thames Crossing, one of the UK’s most important and vital growth projects.
“We are ready to start work, with our planning application due to be decided this May, in the meantime our focus remains on developing the UK’s greenest road to drive out carbon, restore nature and improve the benefits for the local community.”
