Lower Thames Crossing given the go ahead

Why is the Lower Thames Crossing needed?

 

At moment the Dartford Crossing is the only road crossing of the Thames east of London – compared to 16 between the Blackwall Tunnel and west London.  It initially opened in 1963, with an additional tunnel with two extra lanes opening in 1981 and the QEII bridge with an additional four lanes opening in 1991.

 

 

It carries over 50 million vehicles a year – close to 40% of these are goods vehicles.  Whilst it is one of National Highway's most vital roads, it is also one of the most unreliable.   

 

According to National Highways:

 

• Congestion at the Dartford Crossing costs the UK millions every year in time stuck in traffic
• Designed for 135,000 vehicles a day, it is now operating over capacity and is regularly used by over 150,000
• On its busiest days is it used by up to 180,000 a day – this will be the norm by 2042
• Northbound in the evening peak - 19 out of 20 journeys are delayed, two thirds take twice as long as they should, three times a month they take five times longer

 

The Lower Thames Crossing will help with this congestion.  It will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London – easing congestion on the Dartford Crossing, improving journeys across the south east, and creating a reliable new route across the river. 

 

Above:  Route of the Lower Thames Crossing (Source:  What is the Lower Thames Crossing? - National Highways)

 

National Highways have said that “Congestion on the Dartford Crossing costs the UK more than £200 million every year in time lost sitting in traffic…..The reliable new route will almost double road capacity over the river east of London to reduce congestion and give millions of people more choice on where they live, work and spend their valuable time”

 

What have DHA got to say about the new Lower Thamas Crossing news?

 

Upon hearing today’s news, DHA Planning Group's Transport Director, Paul Lulham said:

 

“Ahead of what we anticipate will be a sobering Spring Statement from the Chancellor tomorrow, this is very welcome news for the economies and communities of the Thames Gateway and the wider South East.

 

Congestion and air pollution at the Dartford Crossing have blighted the local area and held back much-needed housing and economic growth in a priority regeneration area for far too long. This decision will provide the certainty that is desperately needed for local authorities to progress Local Plans and businesses to invest.

 

The project will create thousands of well-paid and highly-skilled jobs during its construction phase and provide for more reliable journeys on a vital national and international freight corridor once complete. This is precisely the kind of project that the Government must fast-track if the UK is to achieve meaningful and lasting economic growth. I look forward to seeing spades in the ground next year!"

 

What now for the Lower Thames Crossing?

 

The government is currently exploring private finance options for the project. Construction could start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.  So watch this space....