We are reporting the latest Lower Thames Tunnel Crossing project updates as the mega-project progresses towards tunnel-machine procurement to prepare for the start of construction.
After a 16-year planning process wait, the project is going ahead to connect Kent and Essex by tunnel underneath the River Thames. Client, National Highways, has announced the major transport infrastructure project is on track to open in the early 2030s.
Lower Thames Tunnel Crossing Project Details
The project consists of the construction of a new bored road tunnel linking the M2 and M25 via the A13. The planned route will run from the M25 near North Ockendon, cross the A13 at Orsett before crossing under the Thames east of Tilbury and Gravesend. A new link road will then take traffic to the A2 near Shorne, close to where the route becomes the M2.
Changes will include the addition of a new rest and service area to the west of East Tilbury, a new design for the Tilbury junction, removing the proposed Tilbury link road to reduce traffic on the local road network, and an improved junction with the A2. The M2/A2 junction near Gravesend has been redesigned to provide a more compact layout, which planners say has reduced the land needed and allowed the tunnel to be extended 350 metres south.
Other changes include lowering the height of the road, and reducing the number of lorries needed during construction from 17,500 to 9,500 by re-using excavated material on site to create landscaping features and two new public parks.
Project ID: 12007135
Confirmed Start Date: Q1 2028
Finish Date: Q1 2030
Project Value: £11bn
Number of Bidders: 7
Contractor: Bouygues Travaux Publics-Murphy Joint Venture
Client: National Highways, Department of Transport
M&E Contractor: GeoPura
Delivery Partner: Balfour Beatty Construction Limited, J Murphy & Sons Limited, Jacobs UK, Natural England, Bouyges UK Limited
Project Manager: National Highways, AtkinsRealis, Turner & Townsend
Civil Engineer: Aecom
Structural Engineer: Aecom
Consulting Engineer: CH2M Hill, Arcadis Llp, COWI A/S, Aecom
Flood Risk Assessment Consultant: Aecom
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Who is the contractor of the Lower Thames Tunnel Crossing Project?
Bouygues Travaux Publics-Murphy Joint Venture were awarded the Lower Thames Crossing Project in December 2023.
This contract award has landed Bouygues Travaux Publics-Murphy Joint Venture as the top contractor in the UK in 2026 according to our latest construction company league tables.*
“We are excited to work in partnership with National Highways and our joint venture partner Murphy, alongside a range of amazing local supply chain and stakeholder partners to deliver the Lower Thames Crossing Tunnels and Approaches contract on time and on budget, while playing our part in creating a positive long-lasting legacy for the Lower Thames Crossing project in both Kent and Essex.”
– Bertrand Burtschell, Managing Director of Bouygues Travaux Publics
Alongside associated works for the Lower Thames Crossing project, Bouygues Travaux Publics-Murphy Joint Venture are also working alongside contractor Laing O’Rourke on the £35bn Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station.
Barbour ABI tracks and reports main contractor data across the UK to provide the industry with the latest contract awards and relationship history.
*Our construction company and project league tables are updated on a quarterly basis. At the time of publication the stated above is correct.*
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