Lower Thames Crossing Strengthens Community Partnership with New Liaison Groups

National Highways is reinforcing its commitment to working closely with local communities by establishing three independent Community Liaison Groups to provide ongoing dialogue and accountability throughout the construction of the Lower Thames Crossing.

The new groups will give residents, community representatives and local authorities a formal platform to engage directly with the project team, helping to influence construction activity, raise concerns and ensure local voices remain central as work progresses.

The initiative forms part of the project's wider commitment to being a responsible neighbour and maintaining open, transparent communication with the communities affected by one of the UK's largest infrastructure schemes.

Throughout construction, members of the liaison groups will receive regular updates on upcoming works, planned construction activity and any potential impacts on local areas. Meetings will provide an opportunity to explore practical measures to minimise disruption for residents, businesses and road users, while also shaping how information is shared with local communities.

The groups will bring together representatives from community organisations alongside councillors and local authority officers, with membership agreed in consultation with the councils along the route.

To ensure the groups operate independently, each will be chaired by experienced local figures with detailed knowledge of the Lower Thames Crossing project and a proven track record of representing community interests.

Former South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe will chair the two liaison groups covering communities north of the River Thames, while Bob Lane, Chair of Shorne Parish Council and former Gravesham Borough Councillor, will lead the Kent group.

Lane's appointment is particularly significant, having previously chaired community action groups that opposed the Lower Thames Crossing proposals, reflecting the project's commitment to independent scrutiny and constructive challenge.

Stephen Metcalfe said the liaison groups would play an important role in ensuring communities continue to have a meaningful voice as construction moves forward.

"I am pleased to have been appointed to chair the two Community Liaison Groups north of the Thames. Having followed the Lower Thames Crossing proposals closely for many years, I am very conscious of the concerns of residents and businesses along the route.

"The project is now moving forward, and these groups must provide a strong and effective voice for the communities affected by its construction. My role will be to ensure that National Highways is properly challenged and held to its commitments, that local concerns receive clear answers, and that every opportunity is taken to minimise disruption and secure the best possible mitigation for residents."

The liaison groups build on an extensive programme of public engagement that has accompanied the project from its earliest stages.

National Highways says the design of the Lower Thames Crossing has already been shaped through years of consultation with communities, businesses and stakeholders. As construction progresses, that engagement will continue through regular public drop-in sessions, newsletters, letter drops and an interactive online map providing real-time information about current and upcoming works.

By creating dedicated forums for independent discussion and local oversight, the project aims to strengthen trust, improve communication and ensure that community feedback continues to influence decision-making throughout construction.

As work on the Lower Thames Crossing gathers pace, the establishment of the Community Liaison Groups represents another important step towards delivering major national infrastructure while working collaboratively with the people and communities it will serve for generations to come.