Lower Thames Crossing (Orsett) – UK’s Longest Road Tunnel & Its Impact on Contractors
2025-02-28
The Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) is the UK’s largest road infrastructure project in a generation, aiming to improve connectivity between Essex and Kent with a brand-new 14.3-mile highway, including the UK’s longest road tunnel. At an estimated cost of £9 billion, the LTC is expected to ease congestion on the Dartford Crossing and create thousands of jobs for construction contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
With major construction starting in 2026, companies involved in civil engineering, roadworks, utilities, steelwork, tunnelling, and heavy plant operation should prepare now for contracting opportunities. As a high-demand, long-term project, securing local, affordable workforce accommodation is critical for project managers, engineers, and site workers.
🏠 Need contractor accommodation? We provide serviced apartments with long-stay discounts for workers. Book now to ensure your workforce stays close to site with cost-effective accommodation solutions.
Lower Thames Crossing: Key Project Details
📍 Location: Connecting Orsett (Essex) to Kent via a new twin-bore tunnel under the River Thames
🚧 Total Road Length: 14.3 miles
🚗 Tunnel Length: 2.6 miles – the longest road tunnel in the UK
🏗 Key Infrastructure:
- 49 bridges, viaducts, and underpasses
- New M25 Junction 29 interchange
- A13 and A2 road improvements
- New service roads and utilities diversions
👷 Workforce Impact: Over 2,000 construction jobs on-site at peak
📅 Project Timeline:
- 2025: Enabling works & early site preparation
- 2026-2030: Full-scale construction
- 2031: Expected project completion
The Lower Thames Crossing will become one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Europe, creating opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers across multiple sectors.
What Contracts & Supply Chain Opportunities Are Available?
The LTC project is being delivered by National Highways, which has already awarded key Tier 1 contracts. However, hundreds of subcontractor roles are still available, with major opportunities for companies specialising in:
1. Civil Engineering & Earthworks
- Groundworks & land excavation
- Foundation and piling contracts
- Drainage systems & flood protection
- Concrete reinforcement and structure work
2. Road Construction & Highways Infrastructure
- Road surfacing & asphalt laying
- Bridge and viaduct installation
- Traffic management & highway maintenance
- Smart motorway technology installation
3. Tunnel Engineering & Underground Works
- Bored tunnelling and excavation
- Mechanical & electrical (M&E) fit-out
- Ventilation & fire safety systems
- Waterproofing and tunnel lining
4. Steelwork & Structural Engineering
- Steel fabrication & erection
- Structural reinforcement for bridges & tunnels
- Welding & precision engineering
5. Utilities & Services Relocation
- Water, gas & electricity network adjustments
- Telecoms and fibre-optic cabling
- Sustainable drainage and environmental mitigation
6. Accommodation & Worker Facilities
With a workforce of over 2,000 construction professionals required on-site, there will be high demand for:
- Temporary worker accommodation for long-term stays
- Catering & welfare facilities
- Transport & logistics support
📢 Are you supplying workers for this project? Secure long-stay contractor accommodation today. 🔗 Check availability now
Major Contractors Involved & Key Tenders
The main contract packages have been awarded, but numerous subcontracts are still available.
🏗 Key Players in the Lower Thames Crossing
- Roads North of the Thames (£1.2bn contract) – Balfour Beatty
- Tunnels & Approaches (£1.3bn contract) – Joint venture: Bouygues, VolkerWessels & Murphy
- Kent Roads Package (£600m contract) – Skanska
💼 Subcontractor & Supply Chain Opportunities
Each Tier 1 contractor will be tendering subcontracts for:
✅ Groundworks & piling
✅ Road surfacing & markings
✅ Steelwork & structural installation
✅ Tunnelling support & logistics
✅ Drainage & water management
✅ Electrical & lighting systems
Want to bid on contracts? Visit National Highways’ Supply Chain Portal to register your interest.
Why Contractors Should Secure Accommodation Now
This project is expected to run for over six years, meaning thousands of workers will require long-term accommodation in Essex.
🏠 We offer fully serviced apartments for construction teams working on the Lower Thames Crossing. Our accommodation is:
✔ Cheaper than hotels – Discounted weekly & monthly rates
✔ Fully furnished – Ideal for long-term worker housing
✔ Strategically located near Orsett, Thurrock & surrounding areas
The Impact of the Lower Thames Crossing on Essex & Kent
The Lower Thames Crossing isn’t just a road project—it’s a transformational development for:
✅ Reducing congestion on the Dartford Crossing
✅ Improving logistics & freight movement between Essex & Kent
✅ Boosting local economies by increasing investment in infrastructure
✅ Creating thousands of jobs for UK-based construction workers
With so much heavy construction work taking place, the demand for contractor accommodation in Essex & Kent will be at an all-time high.
🔹 Need cost-effective housing for your workforce? View our long-stay accommodation options.
Find Out More About the Lower Thames Crossing
🚧 Are you managing contractor logistics for this project? Ensure your team has affordable long-term accommodation sorted early.
📞 Contact us today for exclusive corporate rates!
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