The secretary of state for transport has approved plans for the £9bn Lower Thames Crossing infrastructure project.
The new road, which will be approximately 14.5 miles long, will connect Kent, Thurrock and Essex via two tunnels running beneath the River Thames.
The government is currently exploring private finance options for the project and construction work could potentially start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.
Matt Palmer, National Highways executive director Lower Thames Crossing, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects. It will unlock growth with quicker, safer, and more reliable journeys and redraw the blueprint for building major projects in a net zero future by scaling up the use low-carbon construction, and leaving a legacy of green spaces and green skills.
“Our plans have been shaped by the local community and refined by robust and rigorous examination from independent experts. We are more committed than ever to working with our neighbours to build the crossing in a way that offers them opportunities to work and learn new skills while reducing impacts. We are shovel ready and have our delivery partners on board, and today’s decision allows us to work with government on funding and start the detailed planning that will let us start construction as soon as possible.”
Nick Fenton, CEO of Locate in Kent, added: “We welcome the decision by the secretary of state for transport to give the go-ahead for the Lower Thames Crossing, a vital decision towards ensuring Kent and Medway, the UK’s gateway to Europe, has the capacity to keep traffic and freight moving.
“The Lower Thames Crossing will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London – easing chronic congestion on the Dartford Crossing, improving journey times for businesses across the southeast, keeping freight passing through the Channel ports and providing a huge economic boost to the UK. It will also deliver thousands of jobs during the construction phase, and beyond.
“This nationally important strategic route is vital for this country’s logistics network. Kent and Medway has a major role to play in supporting UK trade and investment and it was imperative that the project goes ahead. This new route is urgently needed, not least in supporting the government’s house building and growth agenda for the UK economy. Not going ahead would have sent an unwelcome signal to business and investors, that we’re not a country that invests for the long-term.
“Today’s decision to grant planning approval for the Lower Thames Crossing should also be a time for policy makers at all levels to reflects on what needs to be done to remove obstacles to delivering the infrastructure needed as a nation to deliver future growth. That includes pressing ahead with planning reform and further incentives that will attract investment to pay for further improvements, from widening the M2 to restoring international rail services to the county.”
Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council, said: “We are delighted that government has granted development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing, after an extensive period of planning and public consultations. Medway Council has supported the proposal of an additional crossing connecting the counties of Kent and Essex from the start. The new tunnel crossing will connect existing road networks, with the A2 and M2 already vitally important to Medway, not only for our residents but for visitors and hauliers travelling into the area.
“The major road scheme will provide improved access into Medway, as well as across north Kent and south Essex. This will create more opportunities for local residents, including for work and education, as well as for businesses by strengthening the supply chain. The Lower Thames Crossing will provide light at the end of the tunnel, supporting local growth and our economy.”
