National Highways Prepares £20m Consultancy Framework for Lower Thames Crossing

National Highways has announced plans for a new specialist consultancy framework to support delivery of the Lower Thames Crossing project, with the contract estimated to be worth £20m.

The proposed framework will provide technical and professional services across a wide range of disciplines linked to the development and long-term delivery of the major road scheme connecting Essex and Kent beneath the River Thames.

Long-term consultancy support planned

According to the newly issued pipeline notice, the framework is expected to run initially for six years, beginning on 1 January 2027 and continuing until the end of December 2032.

National Highways has also included the option to extend the agreement by a further two years, potentially taking the total contract duration through to December 2034.

Broad technical scope

The consultancy framework will cover a range of specialist services required to support the project’s delivery and operation.

Areas included within the scope of the contract include:

• Roads and highway engineering

• Structural engineering

• Highway infrastructure

• Operational support services

• Environmental sustainability

• Health and safety consultancy

The framework is intended to provide National Highways with ongoing technical expertise as the Lower Thames Crossing progresses through future stages of development and construction.

Tender process expected this summer

National Highways indicated that the official tender notice for the framework is currently scheduled for publication on 6 July 2026.

The Lower Thames Crossing remains one of the UK’s largest planned road infrastructure projects and is designed to increase road capacity east of London while improving connectivity between the Midlands, the North and key southern ports.

The new framework forms part of the wider professional services and delivery arrangements being assembled ahead of major construction activity on the scheme.