Published: Tuesday, 25th August 2026
We have submitted a bid to the Department for Transport’s Structures Fund to secure the future of the Medway Tunnel.
If successful, the £9.25million bid to the Structures Fund would enable a programme of works to take place including the renewal of the electrical, ventilation, pumping and life-safety systems. We would also provide £1million of funding to the programme, to make a total of £10.5million.
Formally opened by HRH Princess Anne in 1996, the Medway Tunnel celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. As the first immersed tube road tunnel built in England, the £80million project was seen as a landmark engineering achievement – with its three immersed concrete tunnel sections weighing approximately 90,000tonnes.
Once opened, it provided a much-needed additional river crossing and supported growth and regeneration across Medway.
Three decades later, the 720-metre-long tunnel’s importance has only grown. It continues to serve as a critical piece of Medway’s highways network, with more than 50,000 journeys passing through the Medway Tunnel every day.
However, lots of the tunnel’s infrastructure and systems still date back to 1996. Whilst the structure itself remains sound, some system components have become obsolete, specialist parts are increasingly difficult to source, and what was once routine maintenance is now becoming increasingly complex and costly.
As with many nationally important infrastructure assets from the 1990s – the challenge is now major lifecycle renewal rather than one of ongoing routine maintenance.
Fit for the future
Cllr Alex Paterson, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Highways, said: “Medway’s highways network is made up of around 850km, and the Medway Tunnel is arguably one of the most important stretches. However, it presents a unique set of challenges with complex systems required to keep it operational. This investment will ensure this critical piece of infrastructure for Medway and the wider south east is fit for the future.
“Whilst our teams do an excellent job in maintaining the tunnel and keeping it running, the time has come where substantial investment is required. The proposed scheme will future-proof this vital asset, address the risks we face today, and ensure the Medway Tunnel continues to contribute to the economic growth and regeneration in the region tomorrow.”
Continue to support communities
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration and Chair of Transport for the South East, said: “The Medway Tunnel is a vital transport link for our residents, but its significance and impact travels well beyond our borders. It is a key route for emergency services, for commuter journeys, for access to the supply chain and nationally significant energy infrastructure.
“There are only a handful of specialist highway tunnel assets operated by a local authority across the whole of England – meaning the Medway Tunnel presents unique funding and asset pressures for the council. This investment is critical to ensure this essential transport route can continue to support communities, growth and businesses for decades to come.”
Vital part of our local transport network
Lauren Edwards, MP for Rochester and Strood, said: “The Medway Tunnel is a vital part of our local transport network - connecting communities, businesses, and key employment sites across Medway. I strongly support Medway Council’s bid to renew this important piece of local infrastructure. Investment in the tunnel is needed not only to support everyday traffic flows, but to also connect emergency services to the Hoo Peninsula and the Isle of Grain, and support broader economic growth in our region.”
To find out more, visit: Medway.gov.uk/MedwayTunnel.