A new tunnel set to relieve traffic on the UK’s busiest motorway has received £590 million from the Government. Linking Tilbury in Essex and Gravesend in Kent, the Lower Thames Crossing has so far cost £10 billion.
Plans were approved in March, following 16 years of work. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the crossing would aid “smoother, less congested passage of vital goods from Europe to our regions.” She said: “This is a turning point for our national infrastructure, and we’re backing it with funding to support thousands of jobs and connect communities.” National Highways has said that the 14.5-mile road could reduce traffic on the M25’s Dartford Tunnel by 20%.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “This project is essential for improving the resilience of a key freight route and is critical to our long term trade with Europe.”
Campaigners have raised concerns about the works affecting ancient woodland. A small area along the proposed route was redesignated as such, having been consistently wooded since at least 1600.
In response, National Highways is planting one million trees, a 100-hectare woodland near Brentwood and creating two public parks to offset the project.
Chris Todd, director of Transport Action Network, previously said the decision was “absolute madness”. He added: “The only way that the government can afford this white elephant would be to take money from all the other nations and regions in the UK.”
Logistics UK, which represents the transport and logistics sector, welcomed the funding announcement. Policy director Kevin Green said, “Efficient logistics with minimal delays is critical to delivering the government’s growth agenda.
“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.”
