News

Read the latest Lower Thames Crossing news and updates

Latest news

LATEST: Lower Thames Crossing planning decision moves a step closer

27 March 2024 - The Examining Authority has sent their recommendation report on the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order application to the Secretary of State for Transport

Local businesses to be at forefront of low-carbon construction at Hole Farm

20 March 2024 - National Highways have a commitment to use local SMEs from within 20 miles of the project

Lower Thames Crossing first major UK infrastructure project to be awarded Gold by the Carbon Literacy Project

13 March 2024 - The Lower Thames Crossing is a Pathfinder project exploring low carbon construction, and is committed to raising awareness amongst its workforce of the costs and impacts of carbon dioxide

More news

Community update, February 2024

13 February 2024 - Watch the latest edition of our community video newsletter, a short film to keep you up to speed on the Lower Thames Crossing

Join us at a Lower Thames Crossing community drop-in event

30 January 2024 - We're holding events at community halls and shopping centres in February and March to give you the chance to chat with a member of our team

Detailed examination of Lower Thames Crossing plans complete with decision expected later this year

15 January 2024 - The Examining Authority assessed submissions from the public, stakeholders and National Highways, through written representations and 28 public hearings

Hole Farm Community Woodland given green light

20 December 2023 - The site will become home to around 150,000 new trees, and facilities including surfaced paths, café and community room.

Lower Thames Crossing, 2023 year in review

15 December 2023 - It’s been an exciting year, from the examination of our Development Consent Order application and the launch of our first sustainability report, to celebrating the Dartford Crossing’s 60th birthday to undertaking an ambitious programme of investments in local communities...

Delivery team complete as Bouygues Travaux Publics – Murphy awarded tunnelling contract

07 December 2023 - The contract award completes the team that will build the Lower Thames Crossing, as BMJV joins Balfour Beatty (Roads North of the Thames) and Skanska (Kent Roads)

News archive

28 November 2023 - Four firms shortlisted for groundbreaking Lower Thames Crossing hydrogen bid
17 November 2023 - Vintage car parade celebrates 60 years of the Dartford Crossing
10 September 2023 - On the road to success – local young people start their careers on the project
08 August 2023 - Community update, Summer 2023

10 July 2023 - Lower Thames Crossing to use hydrogen powered construction machinery

08 June 2023 - Delivery partner on search to find local apprentices

24 May 2023 - Your stories - why people need a new crossing

17 May 2023 - Stakeholder feedback leads to improved design as latest consultation gets underway 

27 April 2023 - An update on our planning application

10 March 2023 - Government commits to Lower Thames Crossing whilst construction slowed down by two years

02 February 2023 - Community update, February 2023

30 January 2023 - Community Fund launched

23 January 2023 - National Highways awards Balfour Beatty Lower Thames Crossing Roads North of the Thames contract

19 January 2023 - Join us at a Lower Thames Crossing community event this February

09 January 2023 - New video fly-through shows improved design as Planning Inspectorate opens period for people to take part in the planning process

13 December - National Highways becomes first roads organisation in the world to achieve global carbon management standard
29 November - First trees planted at new community woodland in Essex
28 November - Lower Thames Crossing plans accepted for examination
16 November - First group of local graduates on the road to success
10 November - Lower Thames Crossing and South Essex councils provide superfast broadband network
18 October - Joining the Construction Leadership Council’s Co2nstruct Zero programme
12 October - Carbon Academy at heart of plans to futureproof skills
03 October - Lower Thames Crossing asks leading UK universities to ‘kick the tyres’ of carbon forecasts
09 August - New animation highlights Friday gridlock on the Dartford Crossing
18 July - Traffic CO2 estimate cut by 80%
28 June - One million tree target for the Lower Thames Crossing
23 June - Inventors and innovators
21 Jun - Local refinement consultation has now closed
12 May - New images released as new consultation begins
09 May - New consultation launches this week
26 April - Search for partner to build UK’s longest road tunnel
15 March - Community update - Spring 2022
15 March - Further consultation for Lower Thames Crossing
14 March - First major UK infrastructure project to use procurement to reduce carbon
24 February - Lower Thames Crossing a ‘pathfinder’ in move toward carbon neutral construction
15 February - New images show over 60km new or improved pathway
02 February - New community drop-in dates announced

02 December - Community update, Autumn 2021
11 November - New proposals to maximise Thames' shoreline
04 November - Local businesses given a head start as LTC sets plan to spend £1 in every £3 with SMEs
28 October -22,000 hours of volunteering to help local communities
27 October - Happy birthday to the QEII bridge
19 October - Local apprentices start work on the project
06 October - Commercial Partner award completes Lower Thames Crossing integrated client team
22 September - Shortlisted bidders on roads contracts announced
19 September - Community impacts consultation has now closed
05 September - Launch of new educational Minecraft games to inspire next generation
16 August - New data reveals Dartford Crossing carrying more food and goods than ever before
14 July - New consultation launches
23 June - New public consultation on plans to build and operate the Lower Thames Crossing
02 June - New community woodland to be created in Essex alongside Lower Thames Crossing route
07 April - Shortlisted bidders for Britain’s longest road tunnel
31 March - Partners sought to build £1.9 billion Lower Thames Crossing roads
18 March - Over 80% of local businesses support the Lower Thames Crossing
17 March - Community update - March 2021
11 March - Call to locals in search for first Lower Thames Crossing apprentices
04 March - Government plans to Build Back Better with the Lower Thames Crossing
03 March - Exciting opportunities with Freeports and the Lower Thames Crossing
03 February - Highways England awards Jacobs the Lower Thames Crossing Integration Partner contract
28 January - Lower Thames Crossing to give major jobs boost to 22,000 people in Kent and Essex
25 January - Lower Thames Crossing to feature in Channel Five programme 'The Thames with Tony Robinson'
11 January - SMEs across Kent and Essex sign up to get involved in the Lower Thames Crossing

20 November - An update on our Development Consent Order
11 November - Search for partner to build Britain’s longest road tunnel, begins
07 October - Community update - Autumn 2020
12 August - Design refinement consultation now close
28 July - Launch of the Thames Estuary
14 July - Design refinement consultation now open
29 June - Design refinement consultation announcement
31 March - Covid-19: Site works on the Lower Thames Crossing
24 March - Supplementary consultation update
19 March - Supplementary consultation - extended
16 March - Supplementary consultation events - update
03 February - Upcoming Supply Chain School events
23 January - Supplementary consultation now open

17 September - Out and about: August 2019
22 July - Project update, 2018 consultation and next steps for the Lower Thames Crossing
01 July - Ground investigations: the next step in designing Lower Thames Crossing

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