UK Government Approves £9bn Lower Thames Crossing
The UK government has officially approved the £9 billion Lower Thames Crossing, set to be the country’s largest road tunnel. The project, which will connect Tilbury in Essex with Gravesend in Kent, aims to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing by 20%. "When I said I would back the builders, not the blockers, I meant it," said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The 23-kilometer route, including twin tunnels beneath the Thames, is expected to open by 2032.
The approval comes after years of delays, with more than £1.2 billion already spent on planning. Labour MP Jim Dickson praised the decision, calling it a long-overdue solution to "the traffic chaos faced by my constituents on a daily basis." However, opposition remains strong. Chris Todd of Transport Action Network called it "absolute madness," arguing that it would drain public funds and worsen congestion. Meanwhile, concerns over environmental damage, including the impact on ancient woodlands, continue to spark debate.
Funding details are still unclear, but the government has hinted at a mix of public and private financing. Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously suggested private sector involvement to "deliver the infrastructure that our country desperately needs." Despite the controversy, National Highways calls it "the most significant road project in a generation," insisting it will drive economic growth and improve travel efficiency across the region.
