The decision, announced by Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, follows an extensive planning and examination process led by the Planning Inspectorate, which included significant input from local communities, statutory consultees, and interested parties. The application for the project was initially submitted by National Highways on 31 October 2022 and was accepted for examination on 28 November 2022. Recommendations were provided to the government on 20 March 2024.
The Lower Thames Crossing project involves constructing a new 14.3-mile road link connecting the A2 and M2 in Kent with the A13 in Thurrock and junction 29 of the M25 in the London Borough of Havering. Central to the project are two 2.6-mile-long tunnels beneath the River Thames, which would become the longest road tunnels in the UK.
According to National Highways, the new crossing aims to nearly double the current road capacity across the Thames in this area, addressing chronic congestion issues at the existing Dartford Crossing, the only current road link across the Thames east of London. The Dartford Crossing was originally designed for 135,000 vehicles daily but now regularly handles over 150,000, with peaks reaching up to 180,000 vehicles. Congestion at Dartford is estimated to cost the UK economy more than £200 million annually due to delays.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomed the decision, describing it as a critical infrastructure improvement.
“This is a major victory for the road transport sector and the wider economy. The Lower Thames Crossing offers value for money and will bring wider economic benefits across the country,” said Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA.
He added that the crossing would enhance reliability for logistics businesses significantly affected by delays at Dartford. Current delays at Dartford cost an estimated £350,000 daily, or around £130 million annually.
Logistics UK similarly praised the government’s approval, highlighting the decision as a significant step forward for the logistics sector and the wider economy. David Wells, Chief Executive of Logistics UK, said:
“This is a momentous decision: industry is united in its backing for this vital trade route and when completed will unlock UK logistics, drive growth and help keep supply chains moving across the whole country.”