Wedoany.com Report on Mar 6th, Early works for the UK's Lower Thames Crossing project have commenced in Essex and Kent, preparing for the main road and tunnel construction scheduled for 2028. The focus of these works includes protecting utilities, cultural heritage, and wildlife, while also creating approximately 1000 hectares of new habitats.
Near Coalhouse Fort in Essex, around 50 archaeologists are conducting excavations to safeguard cultural heritage. Simultaneously, ground surveys are helping to understand soil, rock, and groundwater conditions, providing support for the design of the route's foundations. Sean Pidcock, Delivery Director for the Lower Thames Crossing project, stated: "As regional preparatory work unfolds, tangible progress is already visible. Our low-carbon construction approach will make the Lower Thames Crossing one of the UK's most environmentally friendly roads and bring jobs and new skills to the local area."
In late spring this year, a scrubland area larger than 30 football pitches near Coalhouse Point, East Tilbury, will be transformed into wetlands for migratory birds and waders. By excavating hollows, ponds, and channels and introducing tidal water, it will provide a home for water voles and newts. The new habitat work is expected to be completed next year, after which it will mature naturally. East of Thong village in Kent, new habitats including ponds, trees, and hedgerows are also being created. Archaeologists will begin work in late spring in the area of the southern tunnel portal east of Gravesend.
Later this year, the project will relocate gas, water, power, and telecommunications lines along the route to ensure resource supply for London and the Southeast. The public can attend community roadshow events, with the first one taking place on March 9th in East Tilbury and nine more planned over the next four weeks. Work compounds have been established in East Tilbury and Thong, equipped with worker facilities and storage space. "Haul roads" have been created for construction vehicles to use, reducing their impact on local roads. One compound is already using six hydrogen generators and electric equipment, and the project has purchased the largest single batch of low-carbon hydrogen for its construction plans.
