The Lower Thames Crossing has been given the green light in a recent speech by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves.
The tunnel, set to link Kent and Essex, will ease pressure on the Dartford Crossing and provide an alternate route for commuters and freight traffic to travel between the regions. Plans for the tunnel have been underway for some time, but in her speech on economic growth last month, Reeves confirmed that the Government’s growth strategy included the construction of the new tunnel: “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.”
The Dartford Crossing, the most congested road in the country, costs the economy over £200 million every year in lost productivity. The construction of an additional crossing is expected to double the capacity of cross-Thames traffic and contribute £40 billion to the economy.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) commended the announcement. On the tunnel, managing director, Richard Smith said: “This is a major victory for our sector and this nationally significant scheme has the potential to turbocharge the economy. 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.”
He continued: “The Lower Thames Crossing offers value for money and will bring wider economic benefits nationally. It’s a big step forward in helping to drive forward the long-term economic growth the Government has pledged.”
The Chancellor is keen to work with the private sector to fund the project and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.
