Will a Lower Thames Crossing ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing? Have your say

Lower Thames Crossing CGI
-Credit:Highways England


A £9 billion project has been announced, which would result in the UK's longest road tunnel. The Lower Thames Crossing was first proposed in the late 2000s, and now has the backing of Chancellor Rachel Reeves in a bid to relieve pressure on the Dartford Crossing, improve transport links, and boost infrastructure spending.

Have your say! Would a Lower Thames Crossing improve traffic and travel in London and the South East? Would you do something different? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

Congestion on the Dartford Crossing costs the UK £200 million per year, according to National Highways, and it handles about 15,000 more vehicles per day than it was designed for. The new Lower Thames Crossing will almost double the road capacity across the Thames east of London.

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The Lower Thames Crossing would be the A122, connecting the A2 and M2 in Kent to Junction 29 of the M25, and to the A13 in Thurrock.

Under the current plans, 14.3 miles of road will be built, with 2.6 miles of tunnel under the Thames. It is hoped that it would cut journey times across the Dartford Crossing by 30%, improving flow and capacity across the region, including to and from ports.

This map shows the planned route for the new Lower Thames Crossing
This map shows the planned route for the new Lower Thames Crossing

It is hoped that work can begin on the new Crossing in 2026, with an opening date of 2032, and the £9 billion price tag would make it one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in history. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has floated the idea of private investment into the scheme. During a speech about economic growth, the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed the Labour government is committed to delivering infrastructure the country "desperately needs".

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The announcement was part of a wider package of projects unveiled on Wednesday, including support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, work to improve capacity at Gatwick and Luton Airport, and improved rail links between Oxford and Cambridge, in the hopes of boosting growth and investment in these areas.

Concerns remain about the Lower Thames Crossing and other capacity-boosting projects, including the impact on residents while work is ongoing, and the resulting noise and pollution when they are complete. London Mayor Sadiq Khan remains opposed to the Heathrow expansion on the grounds that they conflict with London's net-zero climate goals.

On our Facebook page, Barry Harrow says: "9 billion pounds to learn the same lesson again, that building roads only encourages more driving and achieves nothing in reducing congestion." Philip Kanaar writes: "We'll be paying tolls forever."

Have your say! Would a Lower Thames Crossing improve traffic and travel in London and the South East? Would you do something different? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.