Lower Thames Crossing Taken Over by DfT

In a significant shift of responsibility, the UK’s most ambitious road project—the £10 billion Lower Thames Crossing—has been removed from the control of National Highways and placed under the direct oversight of the Department for Transport (DfT).

The move is part of a wider effort by the Labour government to assert stronger control over large infrastructure schemes amid growing concerns over spiralling costs and project delays.

According to internal consultation documents reviewed by The Guardian, the DfT will now manage the financial aspects of the project, allowing National Highways to concentrate on the broader task of operating and maintaining the national road network.

Concerns Over Costs and Transparency

While ministers argue that the change will bring greater accountability and efficiency, critics are warning of the potential for HS2-style overspending. Environmental campaigners are also raising alarms that decisions might now be made behind closed doors, potentially overlooking ecological impacts.

Opponents claim the proposed tunnel would damage important habitats on Kent’s northern coast and the Essex shoreline, while doing little to alleviate existing traffic congestion. Instead, they argue, it could increase carbon emissions and shift problems rather than solve them.

Treasury Push Behind Centralisation

Sources suggest that the Treasury is backing the move to centralise control over major infrastructure, driven in part by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ frustration with environmental delays—such as those caused by protected species like bats, newts, and even a rare snail.

The Lower Thames Crossing has been classified by the DfT as a “Tier 1” project—one of the most complex and high-risk developments in progress. Oversight will now fall to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, with the aim of ensuring tighter management of delivery timelines and budgets.

This centralisation aligns with Labour’s broader growth strategy, which includes overhauling planning regulations to fast-track developments and reduce the costs associated with wildlife protections.

Funding Challenges and Industry Involvement

Although the project has secured £590 million for early-stage works, including land surveys and excavation, full-scale construction is pending while the government seeks a private partner willing to invest up to £2 billion in return for operating toll rights.

Construction firm Balfour Beatty has already been awarded a £1.2 billion contract to build road links feeding into the crossing. Work is expected to commence before the decade ends, with the new tunnel designed to sit east of the heavily congested Dartford Crossing, connecting north Kent to Essex.

Supporters say the project will ease traffic bottlenecks on the M25, particularly for freight travelling between the Channel ports and the Midlands and northern England.

Campaigners Warn of Budget Risks

However, campaigners like Chris Todd, director of Transport Action Network, remain sceptical. He stated:

“The government is continuing to throw good money after bad at the Lower Thames Crossing. Moving it out of the roads programme and giving the DfT free rein could result in HS2-style budget blowouts and minimal scrutiny.”

Despite the shift, National Highways is expected to continue handling the development side of the project and will report spending figures in its annual updates. But crucial decisions around scope and funding will now rest firmly with ministers.

DfT Defends the Move

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport defended the changes, stating:

“Backed by £590m, the Lower Thames Crossing is the most significant road-building project in a generation. It will cut local congestion, improve connections between the Midlands, the north, and ports in the south-east, and support our national plan for growth.”

Earlier this year, Heidi Alexander described the crossing as a long-overdue project that had been trapped in “planning limbo” for too long. National Highways has also argued that an additional Thames crossing is vital for easing the strain on the Dartford Tunnels, especially during maintenance periods.