A vision of a road link and cross river connection between the M2 in Kent and the M25 north of junction 30 in Essex, bypassing Dartford to the east, was put forward by Government this week as one option to be considered in consultation on the location of a new Thames crossing.

The options for a new crossing are:

• Option A: at the site of the existing A282 Dartford-Thurrock crossing
• Option B: connecting the A2 Swanscombe Peninsula with the A1089 and
• Option C: connecting the M2 with the A13 and the M25 between junctions 29 and 30

A variant to Option C would additionally widen the A229 between the M2 and M20.

Traffic levels using the bridge and tunnels at Dartford are expected to increase by a fifth over the next 30 years, Department for Transport said. Taking action now will make sure the road network is able to meet the future economic needs of the country. 

The DfT’s 2010 spending review announcement committed to review the options for increasing crossing capacity at Dartford. The final decision will be based on consideration of economic, environmental and social impacts and the extent to which a new crossing at each location contributes to the economy and reduces congestion.

Dartford-Thurrock has daily traffic flows of 140,000 vehicles compared to the original design capacity of the crossing which was 135,000. Traffic flows are expected to increase by 10-20% southbound and 2-10% northbound up to 2041.

Public information events are being held next month. More details at: http://bit.ly/12OFemR

(Image: DfT/Open Streetmap contributors)

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