Lower Thames Crossing: Planning for Design

Overview

The Lower Thames Crossing is the most ambitious road construction project undertaken by Highways England since the construction of the M25. The project connects to the A2 and M2 in Kent, east of Gravesend, crossing under the Thames through two bored tunnels, before joining the M25 south of junction 29.

The route is approximately 23km long, of which 4.25km is in two tunnels of 16.5m internal diameter, the largest road tunnels in Europe and among the world's largest. For the associated highway works, in addition to the extensive earthworks, 60 new structures are required including viaducts, bridges, underpasses and footbridges.

The presentation will outline some of the most significant ground engineering challenges encountered during the development phase of the project. These are being addressed through a combination of desk study work and surveys, one of the largest ground investigation campaigns ever undertaken in the UK, and engagement with a wide range of external industry experts ahead of a Development Consent Order (DCO) application later this year.