The UK government has reassigned oversight of the £10 billion Lower Thames Crossing tunnel project from National Highways to the Department for Transport (DfT). This shift is part of the administration’s efforts to exert tighter control over significant infrastructure projects amid concerns about budget overruns and delays.
Internal documents indicated that the DfT will now manage the project costs, enabling National Highways to concentrate on the maintenance and management of existing road networks. The Lower Thames Crossing is noted as the UK’s largest planned infrastructure endeavor.
Some environmental campaigners have expressed concerns that this transition could lead to significant overspending and potentially harmful developments, echoing issues seen in projects like HS2. The DfT is now responsible for overseeing what it classifies as a “Tier 1” project, considered highly complex and contentious, with the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, in charge.
Treasury officials, frustrated by delays in major projects caused by ecological concerns, are believed to have influenced this centralization of project management. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is promoting planning reform to expedite infrastructure and housing projects, hoping to mitigate a shortfall in Treasury finances.
The Lower Thames Crossing has received final planning consent and a £590 million budget for preliminary work, with construction expected to commence within the decade. Notably, Balfour Beatty has secured a £1.2 billion contract for road connections.
While the government claims the tunnel will enhance traffic flow and connectivity, environmental activists doubt its efficacy in reducing congestion and cite concerns about biodiversity in affected areas. National Highways is anticipated to retain some development responsibilities and will provide a cost breakdown in its annual reports, though final project decisions will rest with the ministers.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/12/uk-ministers-take-control-of-10bn-lower-thames-crossing