UPDATE: Major funding for the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing has just been confirmed, paving the way for construction to begin in 2026. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced an additional £891 million in funding, ensuring the project is on track to open in the early 2030s.
This significant cash injection, revealed in the latest budget announcement, will be utilized for essential publicly-funded works from 2026 to 2029. Once completed, the 14.5-mile motorway-style road will drastically reduce congestion at the Dartford Crossing, connecting the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile tunnel under the Thames, which will become the UK’s longest road tunnel.
National Highways executive director Matt Palmer hailed the project as “one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects,” emphasizing its potential to generate jobs and stimulate regional economic growth. He stated, “The project will be built by local people and businesses, leaving a legacy of jobs and skills across the region.”
The Lower Thames Crossing is designed to be the greenest road in Britain. Approximately 80% of the route will be either tunneled or concealed behind landscaped embankments, blending seamlessly into the countryside. The project will also feature seven new green bridges, including one anticipated to be the widest in Europe, enhancing eco-friendly transit for both people and wildlife.
These innovative methods extend to the construction of low-carbon footbridges without concrete and sleek gantries designed to minimize road visibility. As Palmer noted, this project not only aims to tackle congestion but also sets a new standard for low-carbon construction.
With construction set to begin soon, this project represents a crucial step forward for connectivity in the South-East, the Midlands, and the North. The next stages will see the private sector take over construction and long-term operations, continuing the momentum for this vital infrastructure project.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The Lower Thames Crossing is not just a transportation project; it is a transformative initiative that promises to shape the region’s future for generations to come.
