Commencing Local Refinement Consultation for Lower Thames Crossing

Considering further consultation on proposed changes to the project, National Highways has released new images of the Lower Thames Crossing.

The inauguration date of the five-week local refinement consultation was 12 May 2022 and runs until 23.59 on June 20, 2022, while it presents the public the opportunity to comment 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 bided changes are:

• 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, 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

Involving an interactive map, and the consultation documents which can also be delivered to homes free of charge or picked up from local libraries, a dedicated consultation website features videos explaining the proposed changes. The public can also speak to a member of the project team through a telephone call-back service or at a nearby consultation event.

According to Matt Palmer, executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing: “The project addressed a pressing need to tackle congestion at the Dartford Crossing. 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,” added Palmer.