The secretary of state for transport, Heidi Alexander MP, has approved the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order, a move which CECA has celebrated
After gaining planning approval, there will now be a six-week period in which applications for judicial review of the Lower Thames Crossing may be considered before a final decision is made by the government on funding the project.
The £9bn project aims to alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing by constructing a new 14-mile road connecting the A2 in Kent and M25 in Essex with a tunnel under the Thames.
First proposed in 2009, numerous hurdles have delayed the project, as well as opposition from environmental groups who raised concerns about how the project would increase overall congestion and pollution. The decision was pushed back a year under the last government, “to allow more time for the application to be considered further”.
The government is currently exploring options for private financing for the project.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the Lower Thames Crossing opening in the early 2030s
National Highways says that construction is expected to begin as early as 2026, with the new road anticipated to open in the early 2030s.
Matt Palmer, executive director of National Highways for the Lower Thames Crossing, stated, “The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects. It will facilitate growth by providing quicker, safer, and more reliable journeys, as well as establishing a new standard for major projects focused on a net-zero future. This involves scaling up low-carbon construction methods and leaving a legacy of green spaces and skills.
“Our plans have been shaped by the local community and refined through rigorous examination by independent experts. We are more committed than ever to collaborating with our neighbors to develop the crossing in a way that provides them with opportunities for employment and skill development while minimizing negative impacts. We are ready to proceed and have our delivery partners in place. Today’s decision enables us to work with the government on funding and to start detailed planning, allowing us to commence construction as soon as possible.”
CECA welcomed the decision
Director of Operations for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “This is an important milestone in the journey towards delivering a scheme that, once built, will add billions to the UK economy.
“The Lower Thames Crossing will not only drive economic growth and create jobs but will tackle the severe pinch-point at Dartford that is costing the UK up to £200m a year.
“Now that the scheme has planning approval we call on the UK Government to swiftly make a decision as to how it will be funded – whether through the use of private finance or otherwise.
“For the full benefits of the scheme to be realised as soon as possible it is vital that industry can get spades in the ground without further delay, so that industry can deliver a project that will not only benefit businesses and communities across the south of England, but will be a driver of growth in the UK economy as a whole.”
