After years in the planning, the UK government has finally approved the country’s longest road tunnel project, the 14.5-mile Thames Lower Crossing.
Heidi Alexander, transport secretary, announced the approval - a development consent order application by National Highways - for the entire 14.5-mile road project that will cost an estimated £8.3 billion. The road that includes a 2.6-mile tunnel under the Thames River east of London will link county Essex to the north and Kent to the south of the river.
National Highways, the government agency responsible for the England’s Strategic Road Network, said the project is “the most significant” in a generation”.
The project has been going through various planning and consultation stages since 2009 and according to reports has already cost around £800 million of government cash.
"The green light for the Lower Thames Crossing marks a significant milestone for UK infrastructure,” said Viki Bell, director of operations at the UK’s Construction Equipment Association, CEA. “It also represents an opportunity to drive skills, innovation and long-term investment into the construction equipment sector. Our members stand ready to support delivery with the machinery, technology, and expertise required for a project of this scale.
“What’s important now is that government moves swiftly on funding decisions to maintain industry confidence and allow delivery partners to plan ahead,” she said. “This is also an opportunity to showcase best practices in low-carbon construction, digital site management, and safety – areas where UK suppliers are at the forefront of innovation. We hope to see strong collaboration between National Highways, contractors and equipment providers to maximise the benefits for UK industry.”
The motorway will connect the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex. The goal is to cut congestion on the nearby Dartford Crossing – combined bridge and tunnel - by nearly doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London.
However, financing for the project has yet to be finalised, according to National Highways and could private finance options and some options might increase the final cost of the project.
Businesses up and down the country are currently hamstrung by delays crossing the Thames. “So the government’s decision to approve the Lower Thames Crossing.... today is excellent news,” said David Wells, chief executive of Logistics UK which represents logistics businesses throughout the UK. “The scheme has been in the planning stages for over a decade and 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.”
