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NAO Audits £11bn Lower Thames Tunnel Amid Cost Criticism

7/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

NAO head Gareth Davies announced an audit of the £11 billion Lower Thames Crossing project.
Campaigners say the privately run tunnel has already spent over £1 billion, costs more per mile than HS2, and offers limited congestion relief.
The government will provide £3.1 billion while a private consortium will operate the tunnel and collect tolls from 2029.
Labour ministers urge incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider public investment in privately run assets.

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Story summary

NAO head Gareth Davies announced an audit of the £11 billion Lower Thames Crossing project.
Campaigners say the privately run tunnel has already spent over £1 billion, costs more per mile than HS2, and offers limited congestion relief.
The government will provide £3.1 billion while a private consortium will operate the tunnel and collect tolls from 2029.
Labour ministers urge incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider public investment in privately run assets.