Lower Thames Crossing road project to be investigated over spiralling £11billion cost

The development of the controversial Lower Thames Crossing is set to be investigated by the UK's spending watchdog over fears that the cost of construction continues to rise.

Following calls from campaigners, the National Audit Office has announced plans to investigate the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Lower Thames Crossing is a crucial infrastructure project for the South East of England by connecting Kent and Essex through a tunnel beneath the River Thames.

National Highways estimates that it will double road capacity to the east of London and significantly reduce congestion on other routes, including the Dartford Crossing.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a further £900million boost from the Government for the Lower Thames Crossing in the Budget last year to complete the publicly funded works.

She noted that the £891million commitment would work as part of a phased approach, after which the private sector will take over construction and long-term operation.

Gareth Davies, head of the National Audit Office, told Transport Action Network that he expects to "examine and report" on the Lower Thames Crossing.

"My teams are tracking activity on the programme. This will inform my decision on the right timing for audit work," he said.

The Lower Thames Crossing was recently spared from funding cuts as the Department for Transport is expected to slash £700million from road projects to fund the Defence Investment Plan.

Experts suggest that savings could be made by cancelling the A38 Derby Junctions project and the A46 Newark Bypass, which sparked backlash from local MPs.

Transport Action Network has welcomed the NAO investigation into the Lower Thames Crossing, having written to the organisation in March and June this year.

Among the concerns raised by TAN include more than £3billion of public funds used to subsidise the project, although this could change.

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It also claims that a business case has not been completed for the road scheme, which could be in breach of Treasury rules.

Abby Coften, chief executive of TAN, said: "The same mistakes are being made as on HS2, but worse as LTC costs more per mile and has no completed business case.

"Billions of pounds of taxpayers' money are being spent for just five years' relief at Dartford. Meanwhile, the toll revenues at LTC and Dartford will be gifted to private investors and lost to the exchequer. It's time to give the LTC the red card."

TAN added that any investigation must be fast-tracked to ensure public funds are not wasted, with the campaign group sending another letter to stress the urgency.

A spokesperson for the NAO said the Lower Thames Crossing was of "high parliamentary and public interest", with a work in progress notice expected to be published once work has started.

A Department for Transport spokesperson clarified that the NAO routinely produces reports on major Government investments.

It added: "The cost-per-mile comparison to HS2 is misleading - these are entirely different projects with different objectives. Doing nothing at Dartford is simply not an option.

"Creating a new connection will reduce congestion, boost economic growth and establish a new strategic trade route between the ports of the South East, the Midlands and the North."

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