Highways England have announced a new consultation for its Lower Thames Crossing project.
This will give people the opportunity to feedback on refinements made to the project’s design based on comments from earlier consultations. These include minor changes to the highway design, new and updated paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, proposals for redirecting and upgrading utilities, landscaping proposals and details on further ecological mitigation measures.
This time, the consultation, taking place online between July 14th and August 12, will feature interactive maps and videos. As part of the consultation, the project team will also host webinars to explain key changes, also giving participants an opportunity to ask questions to the presenters.
Jim O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Highways England said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is part of the biggest investment in our road network for a generation and a crucial part of our future infrastructure. It will play a vital role in boosting local and national economic growth, providing reliable journeys, connecting communities and businesses.”
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “Our road network must be fit for the future and the Lower Thames Crossing will be key to this – almost doubling road capacity between Kent and Essex, boosting the local and regional economy and improving journeys across the South East. I encourage everyone to go online and have their say on the proposed changes to the design of the project.”
The proposed Lower Thames Crossing project will be a 14.3-mile, 70mph new road, with the longest road tunnel in the UK beneath the Thames. It will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London, connecting communities, reducing delays and providing more reliable journeys.
The feedback from this consultation will help Highways England complete its application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) later this year, asking Government for planning permission to build the new crossing.
