Lower Thames Crossing plan for Essex and Kent approved by government

A view of the River Thames from Gravesend, at the proposed Lower Thames Crossing site between Kent and Essex. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt/PA

The transport secretary has given formal approval to the controversial and long-delayed £9bn Lower Thames Crossing, Britain’s biggest road-building project.

Heidi Alexander granted a development consent order on Tuesday morning to the new road tunnel under the Thames joining Essex and Kent, after the decision had been pushed back again last year by the new government.