After 16 long years of blueprints, consultations, disputes and discussions, this week the government has finally given the Lower Thames Crossing the green light.
No idea what we’re talking about? It’s only ‘the most significant road project in a generation’ (according to National Highways). Work towards making the Lower Thames Crossing a reality started in 2009 as a way to take pressure off the southeast of England’s over-congested Dartford Crossing.
RECOMMENDED: The 11 best road trips in the UK.
A government spokesperson said: ‘The Lower Thames Crossing will be a key strategic route for driver freight, and logistics – improving connectivity between the South and the Midlands, linking up our ports, and unlocking regional economic growth.’
Once built, it’ll be the largest road tunnel and longest river tunnel in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is the new Thames Crossing going to be?
The 14.3 mile new road will link the A2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile pass underneath the Thames.
How long will it take to build the Lower Thames Crossing?
It’s gonna take several years. The earliest that the Lower Thames Crossing will start construction is 2026. It’s expected to take around six to eight years to build, so is likely to open in the early 2030s.
How much will it cost?
At the moment the tunnel is projected to cost around £9 billion in total. A whopping £1.2bn has already been spent on consultations and redesigns since the idea for the tunnel first emerged in 2009. Some opponents to the tunnel reckon it’ll end up costing closer to £16bn.
How much will it reduce journey times?
Lower Thames Crossing will ease the pressure on the Dartford Crossing, which has been the only road east of London to cross the Thames for the last 60 years. National Highways suggests that the new route will reduce congestion at Dartford by 20 percent and make journeys ‘quicker, safer and more reliable’.
ICYMI: The UK’s first national forest in 30 years is being planted
Plus: The world’s longest flight will launch from the UK in 2027.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.