Preparatory work has officially begun on the Lower Thames Crossing, a major new road link between Kent and Essex that will include the longest road tunnel in the UK beneath the River Thames. The early phase marks a significant step forward for the long-planned infrastructure project, with full construction and tunnelling expected to begin in 2028.
Developed by National Highways, the crossing will form a new 14.3-mile (23km) route connecting the A13 and M25 in Essex to the M2 in Kent, providing a new strategic connection across the Thames east of London. Once complete, the scheme is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the Dartford Crossing while strengthening transport links between the south-east, the Midlands and northern England.
Preparing the Route
The current programme focuses on preparing land on both sides of the river before the main construction phase begins. Early activity includes ground investigations, archaeological studies, environmental mitigation and utility diversions, all of which are required to finalise the detailed design and protect sensitive assets along the route.
In Essex, work is underway near Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury, where around 50 archaeologists are excavating the site to record and preserve any historical artefacts that may lie along the future route. Coalhouse Fort itself dates from the 1860s and was originally constructed to defend the Thames estuary from naval attack.
At the same time, engineers are carrying out geotechnical investigations to analyse soil, rock and groundwater conditions. These studies will help determine how foundations and structures for the crossing should be designed and constructed.
Environmental Mitigation and Habitat Creation
A major component of the early works programme is the creation of new ecological habitats along the route. Approximately 1,000 hectares of habitat will be established before construction begins to allow wildlife ecosystems time to develop.
Near Coalhouse Point, an area of scrubland covering more than 30 football pitches will be transformed into wetlands designed to support migratory birds and wading species. The scheme will include ponds, tidal scrapes and drainage channels that will also provide habitats for wildlife such as water voles and newts.
Meanwhile in Kent, east of the village of Thong near Gravesend, new ponds, hedgerows and tree planting are being developed as part of the environmental programme. Archaeological investigations will also begin in this area later in the year around the planned southern tunnel portal.
Protecting Utilities and Infrastructure
Later in 2026, further preparatory works will involve diverting major utility networks, including gas, water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure that serve London and the wider south-east. These diversions are required to ensure continuity of supply once large-scale construction begins.
Work compounds have also been established near East Tilbury in Thurrock and Thong in Gravesham, providing operational bases for workers as well as storage areas for equipment and materials.
Supporting Jobs and Skills
The Lower Thames Crossing is expected to deliver major economic benefits to the surrounding region. Project leaders aim to recruit nearly half of the workforce from within 20 miles of the route, while also directing at least one-third of construction spending to small and medium-sized businesses.
To support this, Skills Hubs are being established in Gravesham and Thurrock, where local residents will be able to access free training programmes focused on construction and engineering skills linked to the project.
A Major Future Transport Link
With an estimated cost of more than £10 billion, the Lower Thames Crossing represents one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects. The scheme includes a 2.6-mile (4.2km) twin-bore tunnel beneath the Thames, which will become the longest road tunnel in the country when completed.
The crossing is currently scheduled to open in the early to mid-2030s, providing a vital new route across the Thames and helping to improve reliability on the UK’s strategic road network.
With early works now underway, the project has entered a visible new phase, laying the groundwork for the large-scale construction and tunnelling operations that will follow later this decade. You can find further information about this project in the tunnelbuilder archive please click here and uk/91. 11/26.
