Contractors initiate open tender process for Lower Thames Crossing Tunnel Boring Machine

The Bouygues Travaux Publics Murphy partnership has initiated a procurement process for companies interested in supplying the tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the UKs Lower Thames Crossing project. This comes after the UK government approved funding of 891 million ($1.18 billion) for the initiative.

With the financial backing announced in last weeks Budget, construction work is set to begin next year, opening the door for significant private-sector participation in the project.

National Highways reports that excavation using the TBM is scheduled to start in 2028. The machine, measuring 16.4 meters in width, will create a tunnel exceeding 4 kilometers in length, accommodating three lanes of traffic in each direction and doubling current road capacity east of London.

Preparatory activities along the route include ecological and archaeological surveys, utility relocations, and wildlife habitat creation. Work on the northern tunnel entrance at Tilbury Fields near Tilbury Docks is expected to commence in mid-2026.

National Highways plans for the Lower Thames Crossing to achieve carbon neutrality during construction by using a single TBM to excavate both the northbound and southbound tunnels, reducing emissions and cutting costs.

Excavated material will be reused to create two new public parks and is expected to prevent over 470,000 lorry trips on local roads. Around 80% of the project will be underground or shielded by earthworks to limit visual and noise impact.

New green spaces will feature nearly 40 miles of upgraded paths for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, a community woodland named Hole Farm near Brentwood, and expanded wetland habitats along the Thames for migratory birds.

UK Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood stated: Launching the procurement for one of Europes largest tunnelling machines is a significant milestone for this transformative project. The 891 million investment highlights the governments commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports economic growth.

He added, By increasing capacity across the Thames, the Lower Thames Crossing will ease congestion at Dartford and enhance connections between ports, manufacturing hubs, and communities, while also driving jobs, growth, and opportunities.

The project received planning approval in March 2025 and aims to create a direct road link connecting ports in South East England with the Midlands and northern regions. The crossing is expected to open in the early 2030s.

Lower Thames Crossing Executive Director Matt Palmer commented: The search for our massive tunnel boring machine is underway, bringing us closer to opening the crossing in the early 2030s. This vital infrastructure will improve journeys for millions and foster business growth and employment opportunities.

Author: Riley Thompson