National Highways has released new images of the Lower Thames Crossing as a further consultation gets underway on some proposed changes to the project.
The five-week local refinement consultation opens today (Thursday 12 May) and runs until 23.59 on Monday 20 June 2022. It gives the public the opportunity to have its say on some local changes to the project proposed following the extensive community impacts consultation held in 2021, before National Highways submits an application for a Development Consent Order later this year.
The proposed changes include:
- changes to the design of a new public park on the north bank of the Thames in Thurrock (Tilbury Fields) to make space for the planned Thames Freeport
- modified access to the northern tunnel entrance in Thurrock providing safer operation of the tunnel facilities and better access for emergency services
- more public open space to the east of the tunnel entrance in Gravesham, connected to Chalk Park – the proposed new public park overlooking the Thames
- replacing an existing slip road with a new link from the Orsett Cock roundabout to the A1089 in Thurrock to reduce traffic impacts on some local roads
- a new footbridge over the A127 in Havering and improvements to pathways for walkers, cyclists and horse riders including better bridleway connections around the A2 junction and the A226 in Gravesham
- further improvements to landscaping proposals
- refining plans for the changes needed to utilities in the local area
- additional environmental compensation and mitigation
- refinements to the Order Limits, the land needed to build and operate the new road, as a result of proposed changes
Members of the public can visit a dedicated consultation website to watch videos explaining the proposed changes, view an interactive map, and find the consultation documents which can also be delivered to homes free of charge or picked up from local libraries. Anyone who has questions can speak to a member of the project team through a telephone call back service or at a nearby consultation event.
Matt Palmer, Executive Director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: “There is a pressing need to tackle congestion at the Dartford Crossing which causes delays and unreliable journeys for tens of thousands of people every day. The Lower Thames Crossing will be a vital piece of the UK’s transport infrastructure, not only by providing a reliable alternative to Dartford, but by driving the economy by bringing people closer to jobs and businesses closer to their customers.
“These consultations are crucial in helping us get the design right; to reduce the impact on local communities and environment, but also give the most benefit to local communities. I’d like to thank you for your patience, and for taking the time to look at our plans and give us your feedback.”
(Pictures – National Highways)
