A decision on whether to build a new road crossing under the Thames will not now be made until at least 23rd May 2025 after a statement from Transport Secretary Louise Haigh on Monday said the delay was “to allow more time for the application to be considered further, including any decisions made as part of the spending review”.
The Lower Thames Crossing would link Gravesend in Kent and Tilbury in Thurrock.
This is the third time the decision has been extended, with previous dates of 20th June and 4th October having also been missed.
Campaigners say it is needed to ease congestion on the Dartford Crossing, which also links Kent and Essex, and the Blackwall Tunnel in London. Opponents say the 2.6 mile (4.1km) tunnel linking the A2 and M2 in Kent with the A13 in Essex would damage green belt land. People living on affected land say that the delays are causing further anxiety and stress, as they are unable to sell their homes or move forward with planning.
In the summer, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves cancelled several major infrastructure projects to save billions of pounds, although the Lower Thames Crossing was not among them. It is understood MPs will be briefed on the latest decision when Parliament returns from recess.
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