The government has given planning permission for National Highways’ A122 Lower Thames Crossing project, a 14-mile new A-road that will link the A2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex through the longest road tunnel in the UK.

The project aims to significantly reduce congestion at Dartford by nearly doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London, improving the speed, safety, and reliability of tens of millions of journeys annually. The government is considering private funding options, with construction potentially beginning as early as 2026 and the road set to open in the early 2030s. Additionally, the development will enhance natural landscapes in Kent and Essex, creating six times more green space than the road itself.

Before major construction begins, the project team and its three delivery partners will collaborate with local authorities, landowners, and stakeholders to refine the design, minimizing disruption to communities and the environment while incorporating innovative low-carbon technologies. In the coming months, they will conduct archaeological, ecological, and topographical surveys and further ground investigations to finalize detailed design and construction plans.

For over six decades, the Dartford Crossing has been the sole road link over the Thames east of London, serving as a crucial trade route that connects major UK ports to the rest of the country. However, it now carries far more traffic than it was built for, creating a bottleneck that leads to frequent delays and diversions, ultimately hindering economic growth.