Government pledges £590m funding for Lower Thames Crossing

The Treasury has announced £590 million of funding for the recently greenlit Lower Thames Crossing, which it says is “the most significant road building project in a generation and a national priority”.

The project, which will include the UK’s longest road tunnel and is designed to help reduce congestion at Dartford, will provide improved links between fleet operators based in the North and Midlands with key ports in the South East.

The government said it would also look to bring on board private financiers and expertise to support the scheme.

The pledge was announced as part of a wider £1 billion package of funding which will enable upgrades to roads infrastructure, including run-down bridges, flyovers and tunnels across Britain, while also supporting opportunities for skilled workers.

The Road Haulage Association welcomed the Lower Thames Crossing funding. Declan Pang, director of public affairs and policy for England, commented: “This pledge is a sign of the continuing commitment to one of the most transformative highways schemes in the country which will bring about significant benefits for our industry and the wider economy.

“The scheme is estimated to cost £9bn and we continue to await further information on the broader funding settlement for the scheme to ensure that the crossing is delivered in as efficient and cost-effective way as possible.”

He added: “The announcement on funding to improve bridges and structures is good news for the commercial vehicle sector. Weight restrictions and weak bridges present a significant challenge and can force hauliers and coach operators to take longer, less efficient routes.

“This increases fuel costs, journey times, and carbon emissions. The need for urgent investment is critical to ensure our industry can operate efficiently and safely.

“Decisions made at the Third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) and the 10-year infrastructure plan loom large for our industry and these will set out the future of major road investment and a long-term plan for how infrastructure projects are planned and delivered.

“The government must recognise that major road investment is critical to keep passengers, goods and communities moving and connected.”

He continued: “From last week’s Spending Review, we’re concerned that the government’s announcement of £24bn to cover both the Strategic Road Network and the Local Road Network appears to be a real terms cut compared to the previous Road Investment Strategy period. If so, this would be a missed economic opportunity.”

Meanwhile Kevin Green, policy director at Logistics UK, said: “Efficient logistics with minimal delays is critical to the delivery of the government’s growth agenda, and our members are delighted to hear that funding has been made available to start work on the long-planned Lower Thames Crossing, after a decade of holdups at this vital interchange.

“It is imperative that the government also sets out a plan for providing and securing the full funding required to complete the project – our members deserve to be able to deliver efficiently for the industry they support, so that the economy can benefit.”

Announcing the £1bn package, the chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “When it comes to investing in Britain’s renewal, we’re going all in by going up against the painful disruption of closed bridges, crossings and flyovers, and ensure they’re fit to serve working people for decades to come.

“Today’s investment also goes even further and faster to spread growth by providing critical funding to take forward the Lower Thames Crossing – not just boosting connectivity in the South East, but ensuring a smoother, less congested passage of vital goods from Europe to our regions.

“This is a turning point for our national infrastructure, and we’re backing it with funding to support thousands of jobs and connect communities, delivering on our Plan for Change.”

The transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the Lower Thames Crossing was a crucial driver of economic growth, that had been “stuck in planning limbo for far too long”.

“This project is essential for improving the resilience of a key freight route and is critical to our long term trade with Europe,” she said.

“It will speed up the movement of goods from South East England to the Midlands and the North, crucial to thousands of jobs and businesses.

“Our structures fund will make long-overdue investments to repair ageing structures across the country, speeding up journeys, restoring pride and delivering our Plan for Change to boost the economy and support regional growth.”