Chancellor Rachel Reeves has given the final green light for a major new road project under the Thames, approving £89 million in public funding to complete preparatory works.
Final Public Investment Before Private Takeover
This funding, announced in the Autumn Budget, represents the last tranche of government money for the early stages of the Lower Thames Crossing. Following this commitment, private sector companies will take over the full construction and future operation of the landmark scheme.
Ms Reeves confirmed the investment in the House of Commons, stating the project would be "the largest road building project for a generation" and a key driver for national economic growth. She emphasised its role in strengthening the resilience of the UK's road network.
Project Timeline and Key Details
Matt Palmer, Executive Director of the Lower Thames Crossing, said the additional public funds ensure the project stays on track. "It gives us the green light to start building the Lower Thames Crossing next year and puts it on track to open in the early 2030s," he explained.
The project's core features and timeline are now set:
- Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.
- It will feature two tunnels connecting Tilbury in Essex to Gravesend in Kent.
- The anticipated opening is in the early 2030s.
Economic and Environmental Legacy
Proponents highlight the crossing's expected benefits for national infrastructure and local economies. It is designed to significantly improve road links between the Midlands, the North, and key ports in the South East.
Matt Palmer also pointed to the project's broader legacy, stating it will be built by local people and businesses, creating lasting jobs and skills in the region. He described it as "the first of a new generation of projects that will tackle congestion and drive economic growth, whilst redrawing the blueprint for low-carbon construction."
With this final public funding now secured, focus shifts to the private sector to deliver this critical piece of national infrastructure, aiming to alleviate congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing and boost regional connectivity for decades to come.
