The Department for Transport has launched an early market engagement exercise for a Strategic Sale Advisor for the proposed Lower Thames Crossing road and tunnel.
The Lower Thames Crossing is a proposed new 14.3-mile road and tunnel which will pass under the river Thames connecting Kent and Essex, the scheme includes two 2.6-mile tunnels under the Thames, with roads required on either side to link it into the existing network.
Image – proposed view northern tunnel entrance looking south
The government granted planning permission for the National Highways’ A122 Lower Thames Crossing project in March 2025.
The Lower Thames Crossing delivery partners are Balfour Beatty, Skanska and a Bouygues Travaux Publics (TP)/ Murphy Joint Venture. The JV were awarded the contract for Tunnels and Approaches in December 2023. The JV will design and construct the 2.6-mile twin road tunnels under the River Thames, as well as the systems inside the tunnels, buildings at the tunnel entrances and the approach roads.
The 2.6-mile tunnels will be the longest in the UK and at over 16 metres wide, they will be one of the widest the World.
The government is currently exploring private finance options for the project. Construction could start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s.
The leading option is now a Regulated Asset Base model, in which a new economically regulated company (LTC Co) will undertake the main construction works, as well as maintain and operate both Lower Thames Crossing and Dartford Crossings.
The Department for Transport intends to contract with an organisation to act as a Strategic Sale Advisor, responsible for leading and executing the Lower Thames Crossing Co sale. Key responsibilities for the Strategic Sale Advisor will include:
- Capital Markets Advisory
- Market Engagement & Investor Outreach
- Credit Rating Process
- Equity Sale Execution & Transaction Finalisation
Current estimated start and end contract dates are 1 January 2026 to 1 January 2028 with a further possible extension to 1 January 2029. Current estimated date of publication of a formal tender notice is 6 October 2025.
The Department is now seeking feedback from interested parties to help inform its approach to delivery of this requirement. DFT is inviting initial responses in writing by midday 15th September. The Department then intends to have follow-up individual discussions with interested parties who have the relevant skills and experience in the weeks commencing 15/09 & 22/09.
Further details of the requirement, along with the information the Department is requesting at this stage can be accessed at https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/go/650672360198F5851B9E.
Suppliers who are not already registered on the Department for Transport's e-sourcing platform Jaggaer can register via https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/
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