The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has set out the government’s commitment to delivering the Lower Thames Crossing.

The project will see the building of a new tunnel to connect the counties of Kent and Essex under the river Thames in an effort to alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing.

The chancellor said: “We will work with a private sector to deliver the infrastructure that our country desperately needs. This includes the Lower Thames Crossing which will improve connectivity at Dover, Felixstowe and Harwich, alleviating severe congestion as goods destined to export come from the North, and the Midlands and across the country to markets overseas. To drive and deliver value for money for taxpayers we are exploring options to privately finance this important project.”

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) announcement as a major victory for the road transport sector and for the wider economy. RHA MD Richard Smith said: "The project will provide much-needed reliability for businesses. The delays at Dartford decrease productivity and increase costs for businesses, particularly those reliant on freight. The LTC will allow goods to flow more freely, improving journey times. This will boost the region, but it’s more than a local project: This is a nationally significant scheme.”

The Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order is due to be determined by 23 May. The route will connect the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 in Thurrock and junction 29 of the M25. The total length of the route will be approximately 14.3 miles (23 km), with 2.6 miles (4.2 km) of this being two tunnels under the Thames, making them the longest road tunnels in the UK. The project includes measures to minimise its environmental impact and incorporate low-carbon technologies.

Photo: Rachel Reeves.