Lower Thames Crossing

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Lower Thames

Lower Thames Crossing is a major transport infrastructure project proposed for the southeast of England in the United Kingdom. It would link the county of Kent on the south side of the Thames with the county of Essex to the north via a bridge or tunnel. A tunnel is currently the more likely option due to environmental concerns.

The crossing would be built downstream of the existing tunnels and bridge of the Dartford Crossing. It would likely be a multi-modal crossing, i.e. a dual carriageway road shared with a heavy rail line at the same point. It might also form part of a new Thames flood barrier for London to replace or supplement the existing Thames Barrier near Greenwich.

The UK government has yet to formally announce the scheme. This was the only transport scheme on a new corridor recommended for further investigation in the 2002, ORBIT multi-modal study which examined orbital transport problems around London.

Advocates of the proposal argue that the new crossing is needed to alleviate congestion problems at the Dartford Crossing by adding extra capacity over the Thames.