The Lower Thames Crossing has reached a key milestone as the Planning Inspectorate concluded its statutory examination and submitted its recommendations to the Secretary of State for Transport.
National Highways submitted its application for the major infrastructure project on 31 October 2022. The proposal, which includes two tunnels beneath the River Thames connecting Kent, Thurrock and Essex, was accepted for examination on 28 November 2022. The six-month examination process gave local communities, statutory consultees and other interested parties the opportunity to present evidence and make representations.
The crossing is designed to connect the A2/M2 with the M25, easing congestion at the Dartford Crossing and providing what National Highways calls “a reliable new connection” across the Thames. Spanning approximately 14.5 miles (23km), it would include a pair of tunnels – one northbound and one southbound – as part of the new link.
The Planning Inspectorate confirmed that this was the 56th transport application it has examined under the Planning Act 2008 and stated the process was completed within the statutory timeframe.
“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State,” it said.
Details of the Examining Authority’s recommendation, supporting evidence, and the eventual decision from the Secretary of State will be made publicly available on the National Infrastructure Planning website.
