Preparatory work begins for Lower Thames Crossing project

Early preparation work has begun in Essex and Kent ahead of construction of National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing, with major construction and tunnelling expected to start in 2028.

Initial activity is focused on protecting utilities, wildlife habitats and heritage sites along the route while carrying out surveys and ground investigations needed to finalise the scheme’s detailed design.

Around 50 archaeologists are currently working near Coalhouse Fort in Essex, excavating areas to uncover and preserve historical artefacts. At the same time, engineers are undertaking ground investigations to analyse soil, rock and groundwater conditions that will influence the design of foundations and structures for the new crossing.

Shaun Pidcock, Delivery Director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said the project is now entering a visible early phase.

“There’s now real progress to be seen, as we start getting the area ready for the new road and tunnel to be built,” he said.

“Our low-carbon approach to construction means the Lower Thames Crossing will be Britain’s greenest road and create local jobs and new skills.”

Habitat creation across the route

Environmental works are also underway, with plans to create around 1,000 hectares of new habitat along the route.

Later this spring, construction teams will begin transforming an area of scrubland larger than 30 football pitches near Coalhouse Point in East Tilbury into wetland habitats designed for migratory and wading birds.

The new environment will include wetland scrapes, ponds and ditches filled by tidal water, providing habitats for species such as water voles and newts. These habitats are expected to be completed next year and will then be left to mature.

Similar habitat creation work is taking place in Kent near Thong village, where ponds, trees and hedgerows are being introduced. Archaeological investigations are also due to begin later this spring near the southern tunnel entrance east of Gravesend.

Utility diversions and site preparation

Later this year, the project team will begin diverting major utility services, including gas, water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure that currently runs along the proposed route.

Construction compounds are also being established at East Tilbury in Thurrock and Thong near Gravesend. These sites will house workers and store equipment, machinery and materials during the early phases of the scheme.

Temporary haul roads are being built between compounds and work sites to keep heavy construction traffic off local roads.

The project is also trialling low-carbon construction technology, with six hydrogen generators already operating on site alongside electric drilling rigs and excavators. The scheme recently secured what is described as the largest purchase of low-carbon hydrogen ever made for a construction project.

Community engagement

To keep residents informed about the works, the project team will host a series of community roadshows, starting in East Tilbury on 9 March, with nine events planned over the following four weeks.

The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s largest road infrastructure projects and is intended to improve connectivity across the Thames while relieving congestion at the Dartford Crossing.