Fresh images of the £10 billion Lower Thames Crossing have been released as the major road project edges closer to full construction phase.
The images, shared by National Highways, showcase how sustainability and environmental design are shaping the country’s most ambitious road scheme. The 14.3-mile route will connect Kent and Essex via a 2.6-mile twin-bore tunnel beneath the River Thames — the longest road tunnel in the UK.
The Lower Thames Crossing is being positioned as Britain’s greenest road, with a bold plan to offset its environmental impact. Once complete, it will add a new link between the South East’s ports, the Midlands and the North, helping to ease pressure on the overburdened Dartford Crossing.
National Highways said the project will deliver six times more green space than road, planting one million trees and creating a new community woodland. The plans also include two public parks and seven green bridges, which aim to connect wildlife habitats and link local communities to surrounding countryside.
Among the innovations featured in the new visuals are:
- Low-carbon footbridges that eliminate concrete and reduce steel use to cut emissions. National Highways says these could set a new standard nationwide.
- Seven green bridges, more than doubling the current total across the country. One of these will be the widest in Europe, designed to safely connect people and animals across the road.
- Pre-fabricated bridges built offsite using low-carbon methods, which are quicker to install and reduce disruption locally.
- Landscaping features that will hide around 80% of the road, including the tunnel and embankments, helping it to blend into the natural environment.
- Sustainable gantries with reduced steel and concrete usage, designed to minimise visual and environmental impact.
Construction work could begin as early as 2026, with the road opening in the early 2030s. The scheme was granted planning permission by the government in March, following years of design development and public consultation.
National Highways, which manages England’s motorways and major A roads, said the Lower Thames Crossing is a vital piece of infrastructure to support future growth and reduce congestion in the region.
Community response
Local reaction to the newly released images has been mixed. Tim Bromley commented sarcastically: “Will the French own this toll road too?” – a nod to the current ownership of the Dartford Crossing by French firm Vinci.
Gordon Ralph added: “This tunnel has been badly needed for years now. I am pleased with the design and green layout. What I am not pleased with is the ridiculous time and cost of it.”
A local resident in Tilbury, Jane Morris, said: “We’ve been stuck with delays at Dartford for decades. If this really delivers on what they’re promising, it could be a game changer – but we’ve heard it all before.”