Lower Thames Crossing plan for Essex and Kent is approved

The UK government has approved a £9 billion plan to build the UK's largest road tunnel. Known as the "Lower Thames Crossing," the project aims to connect Tilbury in Essex and Gravesend in Kent via two tunnels under the River Thames.

National Highways hopes the road will reduce traffic flow at the Dartford Crossing by 20% and plans to have it operational by 2032. The project, spanning 14.5 miles (approximately 23 kilometers), will connect the A2 and M2 highways in Kent with the A13 and M25 highways in Thurrock. Approximately 2.6 miles (approximately 4.2 kilometers) of the route will be underground tunnels, comprising two parallel north-south tunnels beneath the River Thames.

Dartford Labour MP Gareth Johnson stated that this decision will "finally resolve the traffic chaos faced by motorists." The project, first proposed in 2009, has taken 16 years and has already cost taxpayers over £1.2 billion for planning. National Highways submitted the application to the Planning Inspectorate on October 31, 2022, and Transport Secretary Mark Harper issued a recommendation for approval on March 20th, with National Highways planning to begin construction in 2026.

However, the project has also sparked controversy. Reform UK MP James McMurdo stated on social media that despite the project, traffic congestion in Kent would remain "unresolved" and expressed concern that large swathes of countryside would be "covered in tarmac." Chris Todd, director of the Transport Action Network, called the decision "absolutely insane" and suggested the government might divert development funds from other regions to finance the project. Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin emphasized that the project's announcement should not come at the expense of other important transport infrastructure in the region, including rail links between Kent and Essex.

National Highways describes the project as "the most important road project in a generation." Executive Director Matt Palmer added: "It will unlock economic growth by delivering quicker, safer and more reliable journeys. Our plans have been shaped by the local community and have been subject to rigorous scrutiny and refinement by independent experts."