|
A £9 billion road crossing between Kent and Essex has been given the go-ahead by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. The Planning Inspectorate said the Cabinet minister has approved a development consent order application by National Highways for the 14.5-mile Lower Thames Crossing. Work on the project has been ongoing since 2009, and more than £800 million of taxpayers’ money has been spent on planning. The Lower Thames Crossing is aimed at reducing congestion on the Dartford Crossing with a new motorway-style road. It would connect the A2 and M2 in Kent to the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile tunnel under the Thames, which would be the UK’s longest road tunnel. National Highways previously said the plan will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London, describing it as ‘our most ambitious scheme in 35 years’. It is aiming to start construction in 2026, with the road opening in 2032. By Neil Lancefield, PA Transport Correspondent Press Association: News source: PA Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
|
