The government announced that it is extending the deadline for a decision on the application by National Highways under the Planning Act 2008, for the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order until May 23, 2025.

Although located in Kent and Essex, the proposed Lower Thames Crossing is of national importance, enhancing connections between the North, Midlands, and Channel ports. These ports, particularly the Short Straits crossings, handle over half of all goods traded between Great Britain and mainland Europe. The A122 Lower Thames Crossing will link the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 in Thurrock and the M25 at junction 29 in Havering. Spanning about 14.3 miles, with 2.6 miles in tunnels under the Thames (the UK's longest road tunnels), it will nearly double road capacity east of London, reduce congestion at the Dartford Crossing, and provide a more reliable route.