Major UK Construction Projects Driving Demand in 2026 – Spotlight on the Lower Thames Crossing

The UK construction industry is entering a critical delivery phase as large-scale infrastructure and civil engineering projects move from planning into active construction throughout 2026. Among these, the Lower Thames Crossing stands out as one of the most significant national infrastructure schemes in decades. Alongside other major transport, commercial and regeneration developments, the project is expected to place sustained pressure on labour availability, technical capability, and project delivery teams across the UK.
For contractors, developers and supply-chain partners, 2026 will be defined by programme certainty, early mobilisation and access to reliable labour. For skilled professionals, it presents a long pipeline of opportunity across civils, highways, tunnelling, supervision and technical roles.
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The Lower Thames Crossing – A National Infrastructure Priority
The Lower Thames Crossing is designed to create a new road link between Kent and Essex, easing congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improving freight movement between the South East, Midlands and the North. The scheme includes over 20km of new road infrastructure, extensive tunnelling works beneath the River Thames, major junction upgrades and environmental mitigation works.
Once fully mobilised, the project will require large, multi-disciplinary construction teams, including:
• Civil engineering gangs
• Tunnelling operatives
• Highways and infrastructure specialists
• Site and section managers
• Supervisors and engineering support staff
The scale and duration of the project mean labour demand will not be short-term. Instead, it will evolve across phases — from early enabling works and earthworks through to structural, mechanical, electrical and finishing stages.
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Wider Construction Pipeline Beyond a Single Project
While the Lower Thames Crossing attracts much of the attention, it sits within a much broader national pipeline of work scheduled for 2026 and beyond. Across the UK, contractors are preparing for:
• Transport and highways upgrades
• Urban regeneration and mixed-use developments
• Commercial and logistics facilities
• Energy and utilities infrastructure
• Data centre construction and expansion
Many of these projects are funded through a mix of public investment, private capital and joint-venture frameworks, creating overlapping delivery programmes across regions.
This convergence of projects is increasing competition for experienced site teams, particularly those with civils, infrastructure and technical backgrounds.
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Labour Challenges Facing the Construction Sector
As delivery accelerates, the industry continues to face persistent labour constraints. These include:
• A shortage of experienced supervisors and site managers
• Limited availability of civils gangs and groundworkers
• Competition for skilled trades across overlapping projects
• Pressure on project timelines due to delayed mobilisation
For clients, the challenge is not simply finding labour — it is finding reliable, site-ready personnel who can maintain safety, productivity and programme momentum from day one.
Early workforce planning and access to pre-screened candidates will be critical to mitigating risk across major construction schemes.
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What This Means for Contractors and Developers
In 2026, successful project delivery will depend on:
• Early engagement with labour partners
• Flexibility in workforce planning
• Access to experienced temporary and contract staff
• Clear communication between site teams and recruitment partners
Contractors who plan labour requirements early and secure consistent workforce supply will be better positioned to manage programme risk, productivity and compliance.
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How Strong Group Supports Major Construction Projects
Strong Group works with construction clients nationwide, supporting projects at every stage of delivery. We supply:
• Civils and groundworks teams
• Site managers and supervisors
• Project and section engineers
• Skilled and semi-skilled trades
• Temporary, contract and permanent staff
Our approach focuses on speed, quality and consistency, ensuring candidates are screened, compliant and ready to mobilise when required.

Contact Strong Group:

📞 0203 697 0238
🌐 www.strong-group.co.uk
✉️ info@strong-group.co.uk