Lower Thames Crossing secured £891m boost to begin construction next year

The Lower Thames Crossing project, connecting Kent and Essex, is set to move forward after securing £891 million in additional government funding.

The funding was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP during her Autumn Budget yesterday. This confirmation not only finalises public investment but also opens the door for private funding, ensuring construction can begin next year.

The project aims to tackle congestion across the region and is expected to transform travel while encouraging economic growth. The road is on track to open in the early 2030s.

Matt Palmer, Executive Director of the Lower Thames Crossing, highlighted the significance of this latest funding.

"The funding from government gives us the green light to start building the Lower Thames Crossing next year and puts it on track to open in the early 2030s," Palmer said.

"The project will be built by local people and businesses, and leave a legacy of jobs and skills across the region. It’s the first of a new generation of projects that will tackle congestion and drive economic growth, whilst redrawing the blueprint for low-carbon construction."

Josh Mellor, Planning Director at consultancy Marrons, emphasised the regional benefits this funding offers businesses in the South East.

“From a South East perspective, the announcement of an additional £891m of public funding for the Lower Thames Crossing, linking Kent and Essex, is an important step in unlocking growth across the Thames Estuary," Mellor said.

"This will be welcomed by businesses in the region and demonstrates a clear commitment to regional economic growth."

Speaking during the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP reinforced the government’s commitment to long-term infrastructure projects.

"As we allocate investment for the infrastructure that is the backbone of economic growth across our country, today I will commit investment for the Lower Thames Crossing," Reeves said.

The Lower Thames Crossing will be built as part of ongoing government efforts to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects designed to drive economic activity and improve transport accessibility on a national level.

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