Lower Thames Crossing project remains on schedule despite delay reports

Lower Thames Crossing Project Overview

The £11 billion Lower Thames Crossing project will connect Tilbury, Essex, with Medway, Kent. It aims to reduce congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improve connectivity in the southeast.

Project Timeline and Approval

The plan received approval in March 2025. Preparatory work is expected to start this year, while tunnelling is set to begin in 2028.

The project was initially scheduled for completion by 2032. However, sources now report a delay until 2034.

National Highways Response

National Highways has countered these claims, stating the project remains on track for the early 2030s, with completion expected in 2034.

A spokesperson from National Highways said, “There will still be various pieces of environmental work, reporting, monitoring etc. to do after the road has opened for traffic and before the project is formally completed, but the road is still planned to be open in the early 2030s.”

Project Features

The 14.3-mile route will include a 2.6-mile twin-bore tunnel under the Thames. This will be the longest road tunnel ever built in the UK.

Budget and Funding

National Highways initially planned to submit a planning application in summer 2020. The goal was to open the road by 2027, with an estimated cost of £10 billion.

The cost has now risen to nearly £11 billion. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves confirmed in November that the government will invest £891 million into the project.

Tunnelling Machine and Government Support

The government recently approved the purchase of a record-breaking tunnelling machine. This machine is one of the largest of its kind, capable of digging 60 metres below the Thames.

A Department for Transport spokesperson stated, “We are backing the Lower Thames Crossing project, and while ministers are responsible for key decisions, National Highways continues to lead its delivery.”

They added, “We have committed a further £891m to complete the publicly funded works to enable the private sector to take forward its construction and long-term operation.”

Impact of Congestion

Congestion at the Dartford Crossing costs the UK over £200 million each year in lost time due to traffic, according to National Highways.

Connections

The Lower Thames Crossing will connect to the A13 in Thurrock, the A2 and M2 in Kent, and junction 29 of the M25 in the London Borough of Havering.