Ministers approve building of UK’s largest road tunnel

The UK’s largest-ever road tunnel is set to be built after the government gave an 8.3bn plan the go-ahead.

- TARA COBHAM

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has approved a development consent order application by National Highways for the 14.5-mile Lower Thames Crossing between Kent and Essex, the Planning Inspectorate said yesterday.

In what has been described by National Highways as “the most significant road project in a generation”, the crossing will include a 2.6-mile tunnel under the Thames, which would be the UK’s longest road tunnel.

Work on the project has been ongoing since 2009, and more than £800m of taxpayers’ money has been spent on planning.

The new motorway-style road connecting the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex is aimed at reducing congestion on the Dartford Crossing by nearly doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London.

National Highways said the government is “currently exploring private finance options for the project”. The most likely cost stated in the planning application is £8.3bn, but it could be up to £10bn, depending on the government’s chosen financial model.

Construction could start next year, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.