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The UK government has given the green light for the construction of the largest road tunnel in the country, following the approval of a £9bn project. The Lower Thames Crossing will connect Tilbury in Essex to Gravesend in Kent through two tunnels that will run beneath the River Thames. National Highways anticipates that this new road will alleviate traffic congestion at the Dartford Crossing by 20% and is scheduled to be operational by 2032. Dartford’s Labour MP, Jim Dickson, expressed his optimism about the decision, stating that it will provide a long-awaited solution to the traffic issues faced by drivers in the area.
Spanning a distance of 14.5 miles (23km), the Lower Thames Crossing will link the A2 and M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Thurrock. Approximately 2.6 miles (4.2km) of the route will be situated underground, with separate northbound and southbound tunnels positioned next to each other beneath the river. This project has been in the works for 16 years, originating in 2009, with over £1.2bn already invested in the planning phase by taxpayers. Following the submission of the application to the Planning Inspectorate by National Highways on October 31, 2022, the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, received a recommendation for approval on March 20.
While the funding model for the project is still under consideration, it is anticipated that the tunnel and utility works will be publicly funded, supplemented by substantial private sector financing. Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously emphasized the role of the private sector in delivering crucial infrastructure projects for the country. Meanwhile, reactions to the announcement varied among officials and campaigners, with concerns raised about potential impacts on ancient woodlands and the environment. Despite these reservations, National Highways has emphasized the significance of the project as a major road infrastructure development that will enhance travel efficiency and safety for the region. Executive director Matt Palmer highlighted that the plans for the Lower Thames Crossing have been informed by community feedback and rigorously assessed by independent experts
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