The government has given the green light to a new 14-mile road and tunnel to connect Kent with Essex below the Thames.
It’s hoped the massive new project will relieve pressure on the Dartford Crossing further west, which currently handles up to 180,000 crossings every day.
Two 2.6-mile tunnels will be built under the Thames with a 70mph speed limit on three lanes in both directions.
Over £1.2 billion has already been spent on the project, just for the planning application and public consultation.
The current cost estimate for completing it is £8.95 billion – though the government has said there is a ‘normal level of uncertainty at this early stage’ considering the ‘size and complexity’ of the plans.
A government source told Metro: ‘The Lower Thames Crossing will be a key strategic route for drivers, freight, and logistics – improving connectivity between the South and the Midlands, linking up our ports, and unlocking regional economic growth.
‘This demonstrates this government’s commitment to delivering the vital infrastructure the country needs to succeed, and to be on the side of the builders, not the blockers.’
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