January 2019 - Focus on The Lower Thames Crossing

A proposed new road – the Lower Thames Crossing – linking Kent and Essex would nearly double capacity across the Thames, according to Highways England. The new crossing, if approved, could have a sizeable impact on the UK haulage industry, with a new road tunnel beneath the Thames almost halving the current transit times at the Dartford Crossing. The project would represent Britain’s single largest road upgrade since the M25 was completed in 1986. It is forecast that in its first year, more than 27 million vehicles would use the crossing, including 4.5 million heavy goods vehicles

The new road, planned to open in 2027, would consist of a 14.5-mile three-lane dual carriageway connecting the M2 near Rochester in Kent and the M25 in Essex. The actual Thames crossing would take the form of a 2.4-mile tunnel under the river between Tilbury and Gravesend, making it the longest road tunnel in the UK. There would be a fee for using the crossing, which has been described as a “user charge”, similar to the Dart Charge in operation at the Dartford Crossing, rather than a toll.

What this means to us

Highways England claim there would be a reduction in traffic flow by as much as 18,000 drivers on the A13 between the M25 junction 30 and the Crossing.

However, an increase between 9,000 and 21,000 drivers on the A13 between the A128 junction (at Orsett Cock) and the A130 junction after the Pitsea Flyover.

At present there are road widening works taking place on the A13 at the Orsett Cock junction, these are inevitably resulting in delays which will of course escalate as the project progresses.

Check Highways England Website for further details.  

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