The Government has committed £590m to help kickstart construction of the Lower Thames Crossing, a 14.5-mile route set to become the UK’s largest road tunnel. The project, which will link Tilbury in Essex with Gravesend in Kent, is expected to cost up to £10.2bn, with construction due to begin in 2026 and complete by 2032.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the project would support the “smoother, less congested passage of vital goods from Europe to our regions” and confirmed the funding formed part of a £1bn national transport infrastructure package. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “This project is essential for improving the resilience of a key freight route and is critical to our long-term trade with Europe.”
The route will connect the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Thurrock, with approximately 2.6 miles of the crossing to be tunnelled beneath the River Thames. Once operational, the road is expected to ease pressure on the Dartford Crossing, cutting traffic there by around 20%, according to National Highways.
Declan Pang, director of public affairs and policy England at the RHA, said: “This pledge is a sign of the continuing commitment to one of the most transformative highways schemes in the country which will bring about significant benefits for our industry and the wider economy. The scheme is estimated to cost £9bn and we continue to await further information on the broader funding settlement for the scheme to ensure that the crossing is delivered in as efficient and cost-effective way as possible.”
He also welcomed additional investment in bridges and structures, noting: “Weight restrictions and weak bridges present a significant challenge and can force hauliers and coach operators to take longer, less efficient routes. This increases fuel costs, journey times, and carbon emissions. The need for urgent investment is critical to ensure our industry can operate efficiently and safely.”
Kevin Green, policy director at Logistics UK, said: “Efficient logistics with minimal delays is critical to the delivery of the government’s growth agenda, and our members are delighted to hear that funding has been made available to start work on the long-planned Lower Thames Crossing, after a decade of holdups at this vital interchange. It is imperative that the government also sets out a plan for providing and securing the full funding required to complete the project.”
Despite the formal announcement, Treasury minister Emma Reynolds faced criticism after an interview on LBC in which she mistakenly referred to the Dartford Crossing as the “Dartmouth tunnel” and was unable to recall where the new crossing would be located. She also struggled to confirm the expected cost, describing it only as “several billion pounds.”
This story was first reported by our sister title The Haulier.
