The government has given planning permission for the Lower Thames Crossing project today (25 March), in a move aimed at driving growth by tackling congestion at Dartford and improving connectivity between the South East, the Midlands and the North.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, has today approved the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Lower Thames Crossing, more than ten years after the scheme first sought planning permission.
The scheme will see a 14-mile new A-road built that will link the A2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex, through the longest road tunnel in the UK.
The government, which is currently exploring private finance options for the project, said the scheme will ease congestion at Dartford by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London.
Construction could start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.
The National Highways project is the first in a new generation of projects which aim to accelerate the construction industry’s move to net zero by using fuels such as hydrogen to power its construction fleet and only using low-carbon concrete and steel.
This strategy has cut the project’s estimated carbon footprint by around half so far, with a target to achieve a 70% reduction.
The project also promises to restore nature across Kent and Essex by delivering six times more green space than road.
Plans include one million additional trees, a new community woodland, and two new public parks overlooking the Thames.
The project will also encourage active travel across the area by providing almost three miles of new or improved routes for walkers, cyclists, or horse riders for every mile of new road. In addition, around 80% of the route now runs through a tunnel, cutting or embankment to blend it into the landscape.
Matt Palmer, National Highways executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects.
“It will unlock growth with quicker, safer, and more reliable journeys and redraw the blueprint for building major projects in a net-zero future by scaling up the use low-carbon construction, and leaving a legacy of green spaces and green skills.”
The RHA welcomed the news as a major step forward in improving the strategic road network.
Richard Smith, RHA MD, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the development consent decision on the Lower Thames Crossing.
“This critical infrastructure project has been a long-standing priority for the RHA. This is a major victory for the road transport sector and the wider economy. This nationally significant scheme has the potential to turbocharge the economy.
“The project will provide much-needed reliability for businesses. Delays at Dartford have decreased productivity and increased costs for businesses.
“The LTC will improve journey times and boost economic growth in the region. This is more than a local project however - this is a nationally significant scheme.
“After many years of delays in giving LTC the green light, this next step in the process will be a welcome relief to operators of lorries, coaches, and vans who must navigate the daily impact of delays.
“The Lower Thames Crossing offers value for money and will bring wider economic benefits across the country. It’s a big step forward in helping to drive forward the long-term economic growth the Government has pledged.”
Logistics UK hailed the Lower Thames Crossing approval as a momentous decision. David Wells, Logistics UK chief executive, said it will drive growth across the whole economy:
“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 Development Consent Order (DCO) today is excellent news.
“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,” he added.
Andrew Baxter, chief executive at the Dartford-headquartered logistics operator, Europa Worldwide Group, praised the government’s decision but said it must now prioritise funding, which is expected to come via private finance.
Pointing to Logistics UK’s estimate that up to £200m is lost every year in productivity due to congestion at the Dartford Crossing, he added: “For UK exporting businesses – many of whom are key contributors to the UK economy – this can cause thousands of pounds worth of delays, which risks reputations and has huge financial ramifications if consumer demand can’t be met.
“Therefore, we have always supported the campaign for the Lower Thames Crossing.
“The alternative 23km trade link between Essex and Kent will connect the North, Midlands and Channel Short Straights, where over half of all goods are traded between the UK and EU.
“Ultimately, this will drive growth for British businesses, offering them more opportunities to trade with their British and European markets, and thus boost our economy.
“There is also a huge personal advantage for people in Dartford, where our 27k sq.ft European road transport hub is located.
“Currently, more than 300 of our employees must navigate vast amounts of congestion just to get to and from work.
“Having an alternative route will certainly alleviate the strain on the local population who, rather than spending extra hours stuck in traffic, can spend it in the comfort of their homes.
“If growth is a priority for our government, the importance of an alternative trade route cannot be understated, and it is vital that they find appropriate funding for the investment.
“The Lower Thames Crossing promises a significant solution, streamlining connections across the UK and into Europe, improving transit times, and enabling economic prosperity.”
