National Highways is looking to establish a Specialist Technical and Professional Services (StaPS) Framework for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) project, to provide technical consultancy, engineering advice, research and innovation for roads, structures (including tunnel), highway infrastructure, operations, environmental sustainability and health and safety. Also the evaluation and review of, projects, policies and standards, including post implementation.
This procurement is being conducted by National Highways Ltd. as current promoter of A122 Lower Thames Crossing. However, in the 2025 autumn budget statement the Government announced that it has committed to providing public funding to complete the publicly-funded works for the Lower Thames Crossing, the final tranche of government support to enable the private sector to take forward construction and long-term operation of the Lower Thames Crossing.
The government’s preferred financing option at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model which will assume some or all of the functions, rights and liabilities of National Highways Ltd for the construction and long-term operation of the A122 Lower Thames Crossing and any other associated assets within such a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model (or other financing option used).
The total value of the framework is £16,666,666.67 excluding VAT, £20,000,000 including VAT, with the contract running from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2032, with a possible extension to 31 December 2034.
Click HERE for more information.
Meanwhile, the Lower Thames Crossing’s Community Engagement team have just released a video newsletter, highlighting the project’s progress. You can watch the video on YouTube by clicking HERE.
(Picture: National Highways)
