The consultant has been appointed by Highways England to “bring a diverse range of capabilities, including programme management, stakeholder management and risk management.” under the £162.5m deal.

Jacobs and its partners will now begin to prepare the scheme to move into the delivery phase, subject to planning consent, so that main works contractors will be in a good position to be quickly mobilised.

They will also support the successful delivery of the construction, integrated system commissioning and handover to operations helping to ensure the project leaves a great legacy.

Matt Palmer, Lower Thames Crossing Executive Director said: “The construction of the crossing will generate 22,000 jobs, and will connect the midlands to the Channel ports providing a boost to the UK economy as part of post Covid19 recovery.

“This contract award is the first step in that journey.

“Jacobs will be joining us as a partner, bringing world-wide best practice in large infrastructure programmes to supplement Highways England’s outstanding record in successful project delivery.

“Together our intention is to create a collaborative team with our three main contractors to deliver an exceptional project that the country can be proud of.”

The award of the Integration Partner contract follows the £2bn Tunnels and Approaches package – Highways England’s largest ever contract – tender launch in November 2020.

Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President Europe and Digital Strategies Donald Morrison said: “We are united around the Lower Thames Crossing’s vision to improve transport connections and boost regional economic growth opportunities, and look forward to driving strategic collaboration with Highways England and their key partners on this critical component in the UK’s future transport infrastructure.”

“Our collective knowledge and capability in successfully integrating major transportation solutions, coupled with our long partnership of working with Highways England position us to manage this uniquely challenging programme of work, achieving best value against the outcomes.”