UK shields Lower Thames Crossing from cuts while scaling back other road and energy schemes for defence boost

The UK government confirmed on Tuesday that the £11bn Lower Thames Crossing will not be scaled back or scrapped as part of efforts to fund a £15bn boost in defence spending. The Department for Transport stated the project remains on track after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced reductions to some road and energy schemes across the country.

The Lower Thames Crossing is designed to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improve links between Essex and Kent.

It includes a new road crossing beneath the River Thames as an alternative to the existing tunnels. Preparatory works began earlier this year, with National Highways currently protecting utilities, wildlife habitats and heritage assets. Main construction is expected to start in 2028.

The project is expected to be funded largely through private investment rather than direct government spending, which has helped shield it from the latest cuts, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The government said difficult choices were necessary to ensure Britain's armed forces remain equipped to meet modern threats while putting defence spending on a more sustainable footing.

uk reported the details of the announcement and the project's status.