Lower Thames Crossing: UK’s largest street tunnel linking two counties to be constructed for £9bn
The largest road tunnel in the UK has been given the green light – after a £9billion plan was finally approved by the government.
The proposed Lower Thames Crossing, which is set to run underneath the River Thames, between Kent and Essex has been given the go ahead by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, the Planning Inspectorate said.
The body said the Cabinet minister approved a development order application by National Highways for the 14.5-mile Lower Thames Crossing.
It would connect the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile tunnel under the Thames, which would be the UK’s longest road tunnel.
Work on the project has been ongoing since 2009, and more than £800 million of taxpayers’ money has already been spent on planning. Construction could begin in 2026.
National Highways previously said the plan will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London, describing it as “our most ambitious scheme in 35 years”. They added it would “reduce congestion and give millions of people more choice on where they live, work and spend their valuable time”.
The government added: “Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.
“Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination.”
The scheme was given a boost in January as Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a major speech on growth. “We will work with the private sector to deliver the infrastructure that our country desperately needs,” she said at the time.
She added: “This includes the Lower Thames Crossing, which will improve connectivity at Dover, Felixstowe and Harwich, alleviating severe congestion as goods destined to export come from the north and the Midlands and across the country.”
A decision on the ruling had been extended on three occasions – with the most recent in October 2024 by the former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh delaying the deadline on a decision for the road tunnel to “allow more time for the application to be considered further”.
