The British Tunnelling Society’s AGM will be held on May 21, along with the evening lecture focusing on the Lower Thames Crossing.
Project director tunnels & approaches Dr Keith Bowers, and Bouygues TP / Murphy joint venture’s project director, Antoine Schwob, will outline the latest developments on the new River Thames crossing, which will include the UK’s longest road tunnel.
Their presentation will provide an overview of the scheme, highlighting recent progress, key challenges and the evolving approach to delivering one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.
The talk will also touch on selected aspects of the project’s development, including early works, environmental considerations, and emerging strategies to reduce carbon and improve sustainability. The session will offer valuable insight into the direction of the project as it moves towards delivery.
Dr Bowers is a director at COWI and currently serves as project director tunnels & approaches for Lower Thames Crossing. A recipient of the BTS James Clark Medal 2025, he is recognised for his exceptional contribution to the tunnelling profession and dedication to nurturing the next generation of tunnellers.
He previously served as head of profession for civil engineering and built environment at Transport for London and as head of tunnels for London Underground for over a decade, where he led risk-based engineering management and championed the controlled adoption of new technologies. Earlier roles include associate director at Arup and tunnelling researcher at the Transport Research Laboratory
Antoine Schwob has more than 20 years’ experience in major infrastructure and tunnelling projects. He has worked across Europe and Asia, including several years in Hong Kong on large-scale transport schemes and is currently leading the tunnels and approaches package for the Lower Thames Crossing in the UK.
The event will be held at the Institution of Civil Engineers, One Great George St, London SW1P 3AA at 18:00 (GMT+1). It will also be streamed live.
