National Highways has today announced details of a further round of public consultation on the Lower Thames Crossing, giving local communities the chance to have their say on some refinements to the project.
The local refinement consultation is taking place to share a number of updates made to the project based on feedback from a consultation in 2021, ongoing stakeholder engagement and technical surveys. Following feedback from Thurrock Council the project has also amended its plans for Tilbury Fields, a new public park on the north bank of the Thames, to make space for the planned Thames Freeport.
The proposed refinements include:
*More public open space to the east of the tunnel entrance in Kent, connected to Chalk Park – the proposed new public park overlooking the Thames
*Additional environmental compensation and mitigation with potential woodland and public access
*Replace a slip road on the A13 junction with a new link from the Orsett Cock roundabout to the A1089 to reduce traffic impacts on local roads
*Modified the access to the northern tunnel portal providing safer operation of the tunnel facilities and better access for emergency services
*A new footbridge over the A127 and further improvements for walkers, cyclists and horse riders including improved bridleways
*Further refinement of utility works to enable the project to be built
The five-week consultation will run from Thursday 12 May to 23.59 Monday 20 June 2022. National Highways will offer a range of ways for local communities and stakeholders to find out more information including a dedicated consultation website, events at locations in Kent, Thurrock, Havering and Essex, telephone call backs, or a free of charge home delivery service. People will be able to respond to the consultation by completing an online survey, sending a form via Freepost, by email or over the phone.
The project plans to submit an application for a Development Consent Order later in 2022.
Matt Palmer, Executive Director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is a once in a generation opportunity to address one of the most congested routes in the country. We understand that millions of you who use Dartford every year are keen to see the road open as soon as possible, but getting the views of the local community on these local refinements before we submit our planning application later this year is vital to help us maximise the benefits of this transformative project. I would like to thank you in advance for your patience, and for giving us your time and feedback.”
