Lower Thames Crossing - Planning consent granted

Information source: National Highways Lower Thames Crossing

Last week, the government gave planning permission for the Lower Thames Crossing.

Read more on our website.

We'd like to take a moment to thank you for the time you have taken to engage with us and to share your feedback.

The design of the Lower Thames Crossing has been shaped by your feedback, and as we prepare for construction the local community and environment remain at the heart of the project as we look for ways to reduce our impact and create opportunities for you.

Read more about how we've used your feedback to shape the design of the new road.

What happens next?

Last week’s decision gave us the legal powers to build and operate the new road, and we’re now working with the government to secure funding. The type of finance chosen by government, and when the funds become available, will decide when our main construction work starts and the road opens.

Early enabling works and surveys could begin later this year, and with the main work expected to take around six years, the road is expected to open in the early 2030s.

As soon as we have agreed a more detailed schedule, we will let you know.

In the meantime, we have been working with our delivery partners to refine the design to reduce the impact of construction on the local community and environment, and embed new and emerging low-carbon technologies and materials.

Coming soon

• We will be carrying out some archaeological, ecological, and topographical surveys, as well as further ground investigations, on along the route of the new road - keep an eye on our social media channels and explore our interactive map to see where
• Later this summer we intend to hold a series of community events in locations along the route to update you on our plans
• Later in 2025 the new Community Woodland at Hole Farm will open to the public