Last week’s decision to give the go-ahead to the Lower Thames Crossing gave National Highways the legal powers to build and operate the new road, and the organisation is now working with the government to secure funding. The type of finance chosen by government, and when the funds become available, will decide when the main construction work starts and the road opens.
Early enabling works and surveys could begin later this year, says National Highways, and with the main work expected to take around six years, the road is expected to open in the early 2030s.
In the meantime, the agency has been working with its delivery partners to refine the design to reduce the impact of construction on the local community and environment, and embed new and emerging low-carbon technologies and materials. The design of the Lower Thames Crossing has been shaped by public feedback, and as preparations for construction commence, the local community and environment remain at the heart of the project as ways are sought to reduce the environmental impact and create opportunities.
Click HERE to see how feedback has shaped the design of the Lower Thames Crossing.
National Highways has also unveiled three of its next steps:
- Carrying out some archaeological, ecological, and topographical surveys, as well as further ground investigations, on along the route of the new road – keep up to date via social media channels and explore the agency’s interactive map to see where;
- Later in the summer there will be a series of community events in locations along the route to update the public on the plans;
- Later in 2025 the new Community Woodland at Hole Farm will open to the public
(Pic: National Highways)
