By Rose Bell
Due to October 4’s the general election, the decision on the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Lower Thames Crossing has been postponed.
Although the scheduled date for determination of the (DCO) was June 20, the secretary of state for transport, Mark Harper, issued a written ministerial statement setting a new deadline to avoid the pre-election period and allow time for any new secretary of state to consider the application.
He also added: “However, that the Department of Transport would endeavor to issue the decision ahead of the new deadline.”
Linking Kent, Thurrock, and Essex, the Lower Thames Crossing is a new proposed road, whereas it is going to connect to the existing road network from the A2/M2 to the M25 with two tunnels (one southbound and one northbound) running beneath the River Thames.
Additionally, the Lower Thames Crossing Tunnels and Approach contract was granted to the Bouygues Travaux Publics, Murphy Joint Venture (BMJV) by National Highways awarded in December last year.
The date for decisions on (DCO) for a new roll on-roll off ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham and London Luton Airport Expansion have also been extended.
