Skanska is delivering the Kent Roads contract on behalf of National Highways for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) new road scheme.
The Kent Roads contract is one of three main packages of work for the overall project.
Skanska is currently carrying out stage one works. This is expected to last until 2026 and involves further development of design, starting preliminary works, and managing early engagement with local stakeholders, including around utilities.
Stage two of the scheme, the detailed design and six-year construction period, is expected to start in August 2026.
The Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed new road connecting Kent and Essex through the UK’s longest road tunnel. It is designed to tackle congestion at the 60-year-old Dartford Crossing, make journeys across the region safer and more reliable and drive economic growth by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London.
About the Kent Roads section
The Kent Roads section will connect the southern part of the A2/M2 route to the tunnel approach and includes the construction of Europe’s widest green bridge, 6km of new road and structures, a new public park and 12 miles of new or improved pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
National Highways is currently taking the Lower Thames Crossing scheme through the final stages of the Development Consent Order (planning) process. It is being designed to be the greenest road ever built in the UK and has been designated a Pathfinder project for championing carbon neutral construction.
Leaving a lasting legacy
This major Pathfinder project gives Skanska the opportunity to lead the way in new low carbon construction techniques and materials, while also investing in local jobs and skills.
The project’s targets include recruiting almost half (45%) of our workforce from within 20 miles of the scheme, and upskilling local people with new qualifications and training. We also want to beat spending £1 in every £3 of the construction budget with SMEs. These targets will be met through a wide variety of programmes, including supply chain apprenticeships and other recruitment opportunities that give the widest and most inclusive access to the project as possible.
Our goal is to make sure that this project brings significant benefits to the local area and leaves a positive lasting legacy.
