Work is commencing on the Lower Thames Crossing as the first signs appear across Kent and Essex.
National Highways has said the Lower Thames crossing, a 14.5-mile (23km) road linking Essex and Kent via two tunnels underneath the river, will be the greenest large scale construction built in the UK. Environmental campaigners have raised concerns about the loss of ancient woodland and traffic congestion.
The tunnel boring operation is due to begin in autumn 2028 with plans to open the road to the public in the mid 2030s, after plans were approved in 2025.
The project is expected to cost £10.6bn.
The construction operation is already changing the landscape, with new haul roads being built to carry the thousands of vehicles that will be needed during construction.
They are designed to allow materials and goods coming from the docks to reach the construction sites without having to use local roads wherever possible.
For communities along the route, it means construction activity is becoming visible well before the new crossing is completed.
The project is intended to provide an additional crossing of the Thames and reduce pressure on the existing Dartford Crossing.
It has been welcomed by road freight companies, with them saying it is long overdue and congestion at Dartford getting worse, which can add significantly to drivers’ journeys.
