RHA has welcomed today’s news that the government is to approve the building of the Lower Thames Crossing.
Following a delay announced in October to a decision on the road tunnel between Kent and Essex, the trade body says completion of the project would increase productivity for coach and haulage operations.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said today the government would support the £9 billion scheme being funded by private investment.
RHA is calling today’s announcement a “victory” for its campaigning, the road network and the economy. It had said it was “deeply disappointed” with the government’s refusal last autumn to commit to the project until “at least 23 May 2025”.
At the launch of its The Future of Roads Report last week, RHA called for an “ambitious plan for road investment” in the Spending Review due this year.
The 14.3-mile A122 road scheme is designed to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing further west, which RHA says is costing £130 million per year to the economy.
RHA Managing Director Richard Smith says: “I’m delighted to welcome today’s announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves regarding the Lower Thames Crossing – a critical infrastructure project that has been a long-standing priority for the RHA.
“This is a major victory for our sector and this nationally significant scheme has the potential to turbocharge the economy.
“The project will provide much-needed reliability for businesses. The delays at Dartford decrease productivity and increase costs for businesses, particularly those reliant on freight.
“The Lower Thames Crossing will allow goods to flow more freely, improving journey times. This will boost the region, but it’s more than a local project: This is a nationally significant scheme.
“After many years of delays in giving Lower Thames Crossing the green light, today’s announcement will be a welcome relief to operators of lorries, coaches, and vans who must navigate the daily knock-on economic impact of persistent delays.
“The Lower Thames Crossing offers value for money and will bring wider economic benefits nationally. It’s a big step forward in helping to drive forward the long-term economic growth the Government has pledged.”
