The Bouygues Travaux Publics Murphy joint venture has opened a tender process for suppliers interested in constructing the tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Lower Thames Crossing infrastructure project in the UK.
The invitation for tenders follows the UK government’s approval of £891m ($1.18bn) in funding for the project.
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The investment, revealed in last week’s Budget announcement, allows work on the project to commence next year and paves the way for substantial private-sector involvement in its construction.
According to National Highways, the TBM’s digging is scheduled to start in 2028.
The 16.4m-wide machine is intended to create a tunnel more than 4km long, carrying three lanes of traffic each way and doubling existing road capacity east of London.
Preparatory works are ongoing along the route, including ecological and archaeological surveys, utility diversions, and habitat creation for wildlife.
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By GlobalDataConstruction of the northern tunnel entrance is set to begin in mid-2026 at Tilbury Fields near Tilbury Docks.
National Highways aims for the Lower Thames Crossing to be carbon neutral during construction by using a single machine to excavate both north and southbound tunnels, minimising emissions and costs.
Excavated material from the tunnel will be repurposed to construct two new public parks and is expected to keep over 470,000 lorry journeys off local roads.
Approximately 80% of the project is designed to be underground or placed behind earthworks, aiming to limit visual and noise effects.
New green spaces planned include nearly 40 miles of upgraded pathways for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, as well as a community woodland called Hole Farm near Brentwood, and wetland habitat expansion on the Thames for migratory birds.
UK Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “The launch of the procurement process for one of Europe’s largest tunnelling machines marks a major step forward for this transformational project, backed by £891m in the Budget which demonstrates this government’s determination to deliver the infrastructure our economy needs to grow.
“By unlocking vital capacity across the Thames, the Lower Thames Crossing will relieve congestion at Dartford and create better connections between our ports, manufacturing centres and communities, but also be a key driver of jobs, growth and opportunity.”
The project received planning consent in March 2025 and aims to establish a direct road link between ports in South East England, the Midlands, and the North of England.
The new crossing is projected to open in the early 2030s.
Lower Thames Crossing executive director Matt Palmer said: “The search for our giant tunnel boring machine is now on, putting us on track to open the Lower Thames Crossing in the early 2030s.
“We’re a step closer to delivering this vital piece of infrastructure, that will improve the journeys for millions and drive growth by creating jobs and new opportunities for business and trade.”
