The Lower Thames Crossing connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex has been given the go-ahead by the government, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed.
National Highways first submitted the application in October 2022, and after a six-month review process, the project has received final approval.
The crossing will be a 14.5-mile road that includes two tunnels running beneath the River Thames.
It will link the existing road network from the A2/M2 to the M25, potentially easing traffic congestion in the southeastern region.
Matt Palmer, National Highways Executive Director Lower Thames Crossing, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects.
“It will unlock growth with quicker, safer, and more reliable journeys and redraw the blueprint for building major projects in a net zero future by scaling up the use low-carbon construction, and leaving a legacy of green spaces, green skills.”
The government is currently exploring private finance options for the project with projections it will cost around £9 billion.
Construction could start as early as 2026 and could create up to 22,000 jobs with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.
During the examination, local residents, community groups, and other interested parties had the chance to share their views and concerns about the proposed road.
According to the government, the project underwent a detailed review by the Planning Inspectorate to assess its potential impact.
Although the new crossing is expected to improve transport links between Kent and Essex, concerns have raised questions about its environmental impact and cost.
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “We are disappointed the Transport Secretary has given the go-ahead for the Lower Thames Crossing as we know building new roads increases carbon emissions and fails to relieve congestion, and the Lower Thames Crossing will be no exception.
“We fully accept the need to meet the transport challenges of southeast England, particularly cross-river connectivity, but an expensive road tunnel is not the way to do it.
“Rather than building ever more low-return, carbon intensive roads, the Government should be aiming to deliver long-term growth by prioritising high-return public transport projects and investing in our rail freight and passenger network.”
Matt Palmer added: “Our plans have been shaped by the local community and refined by robust and rigorous examination from independent experts.
“We are more committed than ever to working with our neighbours to build the crossing in a way that offers them opportunities to work and learn new skills while reducing impacts.”
Logistics UK Chief Executive David Wells OBE says the project will drive growth across the whole economy.
“Businesses up and down the country are currently hamstrung by delays crossing the Thames, so the government’s decision to approve the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order (DCO) today is excellent news.
“The scheme has been in the planning stages for over a decade and this is a momentous decision: industry is united in its backing for this vital trade route and when completed will unlock UK logistics, drive growth and help keep supply chains moving across the whole country,” added David.