The Lower Thames Crossing – the largest road tunnel in the UK and ‘the most significant road project in a generation’ – was given planning permission back in March, nearly two decades after it was first proposed.
Even though permission has been granted, such a large structure is obviously still going to need a lot of money to become a reality. Now, a huge chunk of funding has been secured. On Monday, June 16, the government pledged £590 million to the project.
Matt Palmer, the executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing said: ‘The government funding announced today means, with planning consent secured and no legal challenges, we can now take the steps necessary to bring in billions in private investment and get on with delivering this vital economic infrastructure project at pace.’
Here’s everything you need to know about the project.
Where will the Lower Thames Crossing be located?
The 14.3 mile road is being built between Tilbury in Essex and Gravesend in Kent, connecting the A2 and M2 to the A13 and M25. It’ll include two 2.6 mile crossings beneath the Thames that’ll be the UK’s longest river tunnel. Take a look at the proposed route below.
How much will it cost?
Right now, the cost estimated by National Highways is somewhere between £9.2bn and £10.2bn, depending on the funding model that’s chosen. Around £1.2bn has already been spent on consultations and redesigns since the idea for the tunnel first emerged in 2009 and some opponents to the tunnel argue that it’ll end up costing closer to £16bn overall.
When will it be finished?
If construction begins in 2026 as planned, the Lower Thames Crossing should be complete by 2032.
How much will the crossing cut down journey times?
National Highways says the road will make journeys in the area ‘quicker, safer and more reliable’. It claims that it’ll cut congestion at Dartford by 22 percent and improve journey times by 30 percent.
Why is the Lower Thames Crossing controversial?
The project has faced significant opposition from locals and environmental groups in the 16 years since its inception. Environmental campaigners have raised concerns over the destruction of ancient woodlands and natural habitats, though National Highways argues that it has been designed to be ‘Britain’s greenest road’.
When planning permission was granted three months ago, locals told the BBC of their fears of being forced to move from their homes to make way for the road. One resident said: ‘I've got nowhere to go, but I don't want to live here with this big road going over my house.’ Another said: ‘Ever since we've been here, we've had wonderful neighbours. But now the ones we've known for a long time have had to move out due to the pressures brought on by knowing the road was going through.’
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