The long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing has avoided the latest round of government spending cuts, with ministers confirming the £11 billion road project will continue as planned.

Designed to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improve transport links between Essex and Kent, the scheme has faced years of delays. However, it moved a step closer to delivery earlier this year as preparatory works got underway.

The confirmation follows the Prime Minister’s announcement that a number of transport and energy infrastructure projects will be delayed, reduced or cancelled as part of plans to redirect £15 billion towards increased defence spending.

Despite the wider spending review, the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed the Lower Thames Crossing will not be affected.

National Highways is currently carrying out advance works along the route, including relocating utilities, protecting wildlife habitats and safeguarding heritage sites before major construction is expected to begin in 2028.

The project will create a new road crossing beneath the River Thames, providing an alternative route to the heavily congested Dartford Crossing and helping improve journey reliability for motorists, freight operators and businesses across the South East.

One reason the scheme has remained protected is its funding model. Unlike many large transport projects, the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to be financed primarily through private investment rather than relying entirely on public funding, reducing its exposure to wider government spending reductions.

The government said difficult funding decisions were necessary to strengthen the UK’s defence capabilities while ensuring public spending remains sustainable. However, the Lower Thames Crossing continues to be viewed as a nationally significant infrastructure project that will improve network resilience, reduce congestion and support long-term economic growth.