Lower Thames Crossing images show how £9 billion tunnel between Kent and Essex will look

A pre-fabricated bridge, built off-site (Image: National Highways)

New images have been released by National Highways highlighting how the Lower Thames Crossing could look like in a few years with its greener approach.

The £9 billion project, which is set to link Kent and Essex, aims to tackle congestion at the Dartford Crossing while putting nature at the heart of its design.

The project includes 14.3 miles of new road and Britain’s longest road tunnel, a 2.6-mile twin-bore tunnel beneath the River Thames. Designed to be Britain’s greenest road, the Lower Thames Crossing has taken a new approach to road design and building by cutting construction carbon and restoring nature.

The project will create six times more green space than road, including one million new trees, a new community woodland, two new public parks, and seven green bridges that will blend the road into the landscape and connect local communities to the countryside.

A new set of images has been released by National Highways showing how this innovative approach is transforming how the road will look and feel. The project will use 'low carbon footbridges' to eliminate 'the need for concrete and minimises the use of steel'.

One of seven green bridges planned for the project, including Europe’s widest (Image: National Highways)

It will feature seven new green bridges – more than doubling the number currently in Britain – including Europe’s widest. A National Highwsys spokesperson said: "These crossings will make it easier and safer for both people and wildlife to move through green spaces."

There will also be pre-fabricated bridges built in an offsite facility using low-carbon methods. These bridges are set to be quicker and easier to install on site. This approach aims to reduce disruption to local communities, traffic and the environment.

Most of the route will be in a tunnel or hidden behind landscaped embankments and mounds, helping it blend into the countryside and green spaces. The use of gantries will reduce steel and concrete to help cut carbon, while maintaining strength and durability, helping build a more sustainable Lower Thames Crossing.

New slimline gantry design using less steel and concrete (Image: National Highways/Useful Studio)

on to cut carbon emissions and restore nature.