Announcement on Lower Thames Crossing could be made later today

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give the green light to some big infrastructure projects

Author: Josh BaileyPublished 29th Jan 2025
Last updated 29th Jan 2025

A decision on the future of the Lower Thames Crossing, between Essex and Kent, could be made later today.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give the green light to some big infrastructure projects with the aim of growing the economy.

Along with the expansion of Gatwick Airport - the £9 billion crossing between Gravesend and Tilbury could also be included.

And while this wouldn't confirm the project it would be a 'positive step' for businesses and others who are in favour of Britain's biggest road scheme.

Natalie Chapman works for Logistics UK, they are based in Tunbridge Wells, and she believes it's vital for the sector, she said: "The crossing is on an essential route linking manufacturers in the north to the channel port.

"And while it will deliver additional capacity in Kent and Essex and help alleviate some of the challenges that we currently face, actually it is a piece of national infrastructure and is hugely important to the logistics sector."

The MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson, has been particularly vocal in his support for the crossing, insisting that it brings many positives, he said: "It would create 40 billion pounds of additional value to the countries GDP, 22,000 thousand jobs and get rid of delays at the Dartford crossing saving 22 million pounds.

"It would also help to end the misery of gridlock Dartford residents experience everyday such as not getting not getting to hospital, work or being late for school."

However, environmental campaigners have their concerns about the project, Emma Walker is from Kent Wildlife Trust and she said: "It's expected to generate approximately 6.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and given the urgent climate and biodiversity crisis we face, these emissions are deeply concerning.

"Additionally, air quality will be further compromised due to increased nitrogen dioxide levels."

In October the former transport secretary, Louise Haigh, was set to sign off a development consent order. However, Haigh announced a new deadline of 21 May 2025, “in order to allow more time for the application to be considered further, including any decisions made as part of the spending review”.

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