National Audit Office to Review Lower Thames Crossing Tunnel Project

The National Audit Office has announced plans to investigate the Lower Thames Crossing, a tunnel beneath the River Thames that connects Kent and Essex. GB News reported that the watchdog's decision follows requests from Transport Action Network, which wrote to the office in March and June.

National Highways estimates the project will double road capacity to the east of London and reduce congestion on the Dartford Crossing and other routes.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a further £900 million government boost for the scheme in last year's Budget, with an £891 million commitment structured as a phased approach before the private sector assumes construction and long-term operation. Gareth Davies, head of the National Audit Office, stated that his teams are tracking activity on the programme and that this will inform the timing of audit work.

A spokesperson for the office described the project as one of high parliamentary and public interest.

Transport Action Network noted that more than £3 billion of public funds have subsidised the project and that a business case has not been completed. Abby Coften, chief executive of the group, said the same mistakes are being made as on HS2, but worse as the Lower Thames Crossing costs more per mile and has no completed business case.

The Department for Transport is expected to cut £700 million from other road projects to fund the Defence Investment Plan, though the Lower Thames Crossing was spared those reductions.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said the cost-per-mile comparison to HS2 is misleading because the projects have different objectives and that doing nothing at Dartford is not an option.