New tunnel proposed as alternative to Dartford Crossing

A consultation has been launched after a new tunnel was revealed as the preferred option for a new lower Thames crossing.

The Government says that new road will unlock massive economic benefits for the region and the whole country, relieve congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing and improve the resilience of the road network by providing a new alternative link across the Thames.

Roads minister Andrew Jones said: “The Government is committed to delivering a Lower Thames crossing which will increase capacity and provide better, faster journeys across the Thames.”

In 2013, two locations were shortlisted for a new bridge or tunnel across the river: one near the existing Dartford Crossing and the other linking the M2 with the M25 via the A13, with a possible further link to the M20 (Option C Variant).

Highways England is recommending the new road should run from the end of the M2, crossing the river just east of Gravesend and Tilbury and joining the M25 between junctions 29 and 30.

A Highways England consultation seeking public views on the proposals started yesterday (January 26) and runs until March 24.

Highways England senior project manager Martin Potts said: “This consultation is your chance to have your say on a once-in-a-generation, multi billion pound investment that will have wide ranging effects for decades.

“I encourage anyone who would like to find out more to check out the consultation materials or come and see us at one of the public exhibitions we’ll be hosting.”

There will be 24 public exhibitions, held at venues across Kent and Essex. All responses will be taken into consideration before a final decision is made by the Government later this year.

For more information about our proposals, including a video summarising them and the public exhibitions, and to provide your views, click here.