The Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed new road connecting Kent and Essex through the UK’s longest road tunnel.
As explained by National Highways, it is designed to tackle congestion at the 60-year-old Dartford Crossing, make journeys across the region safer and more reliable, and drive economic growth by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London.
“The £450 million Kent Roads contract will deliver the southern part of the route that connects the A2/M2 to the tunnel approach, and includes almost 4 miles of new road and structures, one of the widest green bridges in Europe, a new public park, and 12 miles of new or improved pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders,” states National Highways.
Explaining its decision to choose the well-known Swedish company as the preferred bidder, National Highways writes:
“National Highways asked for a minimum of 30% reduction across the project and the bid from Skanska proposes an even more challenging limit. National Highways will support Skanska in their ambition to go much further still, through a low carbon design approach, developed with Mott McDonald, and close working with their supply chain to champion new and innovative materials and technologies during construction.”
In addition, National Highways stressed that Skanska will support plans to recruit almost half (45%) of its workforce from within 20 miles by upskilling local people with new qualifications and training.
The company also aims to beat the project’s target of spending £1 in every £3 of the construction budget with SMEs.
“These targets will be met through a wide variety of programmes, including supply chain apprentice and other recruitment opportunities that give the widest and most inclusive access to the project as possible,” says National Highways.
Commenting, Katharina Ferguson, Lower Thames Crossing Procurement Director, said:
“Skanska has a track record of providing innovative low carbon solutions to projects, and leaving a genuine legacy of skills and innovation in the local community. We look forward to working together to deliver this desperately needed piece of new infrastructure in a way that pushes the boundaries in low-carbon construction and social value.”