Early work to prepare for construction of National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing is under way east of London.
Before the major construction and tunnelling begins in 2028, work will be carried out to protect the area’s utility supplies, heritage, and wildlife, with approximately 1,000ha of new habitat created.
In Essex around Coalhouse Fort, an archaeological excavation is being undertaken. Ground investigations are also being carried out to inform the project’s detailed design.
Later this spring, work will start to turn an area of scrubland near Coalhouse Point in East Tilbury into a wetland for migratory and wading birds. Work on the new habitats will be completed next year.
In Kent to the east of Thong, new habitats with ponds, trees and hedgerows are being created. Later this spring archaeologists will start work in the area around the southern tunnel entrance, to the east of Gravesend.
Later this year the project will also start diverting gas, water, electricity and telecoms lines along the route to safeguard supplies that feed London and the south-east.
The project’s first work compounds are being set up near East Tilbury in Thurrock, and at Thong near Gravesend. Temporary roads used by construction vehicles are being created between the compounds and nearby worksites.
Six hydrogen generators are already at work on one of the compounds alongside a new electric drilling rig and diggers. The project recently bought the largest ever volume of low-carbon hydrogen for a construction scheme.
The new road, which will include the UK’s longest road tunnel, will connect Kent and Essex. It is designed to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing by almost doubling road capacity across the river east of London, and drive economic growth across Britain by creating a reliable new link between the ports of the south-east, the Midlands, and the North.
It is due to open in the early to mid 2030s.
Last year the project received planning permission and the final part of public funding that will enable the private sector to undertake the construction and long-term operation of the new road.
