Still Waiting
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Kent ↔ Essex

Lower Thames Crossing

Early works under way
Since the preferred route announcement
Still Waiting

Counting from

The starting point

12 April 2017

The clock starts when the government announced its preferred route in April 2017. It measures the wait for the new crossing to open, including planning, approval and construction.

Where things stand

Early works under way

Work began in 2026, including compounds, surveys, habitat creation and utility diversions. National Highways’ July update scheduled tunnelling for 2028 and opening in the early to mid-2030s.

Still waiting forThe new road and Thames tunnels to open to traffic.

Milestones

  1. 12 April 2017

    Preferred route announced

    Government selects a tunnel route east of Gravesend and Tilbury. Source: Department for Transport

  2. 5 March 2026

    Early works confirmed

    National Highways confirms site preparation is under way, including compounds and surveys, with utility diversions planned later in the year. Source: National Highways

  3. 13 July 2026

    Tunnel machine supplier selected

    National Highways expects tunnelling to start in 2028, ahead of opening in the early to mid-2030s. Source: National Highways

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