Construction is ploughing ahead, though government still has to explain detail of how it will find around £7 billion to fund Lower Thames Crossing
By Nub News Reporter 19th May 2026
THE government says it will be bringing forward a bill to speed up construction of the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) – though vast areas of the local greenbelt have already been churned over by development work.
Swathes of land from the crossing arrival point near Coalhouse Fort on a line through East Tilbury, Chadwell St Mary, Orsett and South Ockendon have already been subjected to massive earthworks, hardstanding and even installation of offices and construction yards, even though the project is far, far away from being fully funded.
The government has spent or committed just short of three billion pounds to the controversial project so far – with the rest of the cost – now estimated to be close to £10bn due to come from the private sector.
Last November Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed what she described as 'the final part' of public funding for the project, pumping in another £891m.
In the recent King's speech, the government outlined plans to make up the shortfall.
King Charles told Parliament the government will "enable roads to be built at pace including the Lower Thames Crossing."
The Highways (Financing) Bill will be introduced to the House of Commons, which will include measures to help fund the £10bn project, creating a new motorway-style road linking Essex and Kent.
The government has said "a strong transport network is essential for economic growth".
Legislation had been expected this year, to enable the investment to come forward to build the LTC. The King's Speech has revealed the name of the bill and further details.
The government wants to use a regulated asset based model, external to build the crossing.
It has been used to fund major infrastructure projects like the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk and the Thames Tideway Tunnel. It will be the first major road project to be funded this way.
Private companies will bid for licences to construct and operate the crossing, with an independent regulator overseeing the works.
The bill is expected to outline the charges for using the new crossing.
Ministers want road users rather than taxpayers to fund the road, seen as nationally significant infrastructure. In the past the government says it will has considered gifting management and levies from the existing Dartford crossing to whoever operates the new crossing.
The 14.5-mile (23km) road will link Essex and Kent by two tunnels running underneath the Thames - which will be the longest in the UK.
Works are well under way across Thurrock's green belt, although major construction on the tunnel project is not expected until 2028.Related stories:
CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
thurrock vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: thurrock jobs
Share:
