Plans to relieve congestion at the Dartford Crossing have taken a major step forward with news that Highways England is to develop ‘Option C’ for building a new bored tunnel beneath the Thames, linking Tilbury and Gravesend.
Yesterday’s decision draws to a close a two year debate as to whether a new crossing should be built there – 10km to the east of Dartford – or alongside the current crossing.
Taking forward ‘Option C’ has been welcomed by industry groups including the Freight Transport Association and the Port of Tilbury. An eight week public consultation on the plans has been launched.
Drivers travelling south to the new crossing are set to leave the M25 between junctions 29 and 30 in Essex and continue along a new link road passing to the east of Tilbury, before entering a bored tunnel. The route will then emerge to the east of Gravesend in Kent and continue south towards the M2 at junction 1 near Rochester.
Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: “Our assessments have shown that location C provides double the economic benefits of location A as well as a clear alternative route to the Dartford Crossing, reducing congestion and improving resilience of the road network. And by choosing a tunnel rather than a bridge we can minimise the effects of the new road on the environment.”
Freight Transport Association’s head of road network policy Malcolm Bingham said: “Now this option has been chosen we look forward to taking the detailed plans to our members. It is vital that a schedule for delivery is put in place to prevent gridlock on existing routes.”
Port of Tilbury’s chief operating officer Perry Glading said: “We support option C but with the proviso that the proposed crossing and new road through Thurrock provides a step change in connectivity to and from the port.”
Kent County Council leader Paul Carter said: “We have been lobbying Government for more than a decade to promote a new Thames crossing and worked with Essex County Council to advance this much needed infrastructure.
“A new Lower Thames Crossing is vital for the continued economic prosperity of not only the South East but the wider UK economy,” he added.
Essex County Council cabinet member for infrastructure Rodney Bass said: “We are pleased that Government is consulting on Option C for a new crossing. This is our preferred option.
“We will be working with the affected authorities, in particular Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock, and will continue to push for a solution which supports economic growth and helps to relieve congestion.”
(Photo: Highways England)
{{item.AuthorName}} {{item.AuthorName}} says on {{item.DateFormattedString}}: