Proposals for a new Thames crossing to the east of Gravesend have been announced today (January 26).
The new multi-million pound tunnel, which should ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing, would link Kent and Tillbury in Essex at the end of the M2.
It will be the first Thames river crossing east of London since the QE2 bridge was built 25 years ago.
In 2013, two locations were shortlisted for a new bridge or tunnel, one near the existing Dartford Crossing (option A), and one linking the M2 with the M25 via the A13 near Gravesend (option C).
Neither has proved to be particularly popular, with Dartford and Gravesham Councils both taking a stance against the new crossing in their borough.
A public consultation on the plans for a bored tunnel to the east of Gravesend has opened today and will run until Thursday, March 24.
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: "This is great news for Dartford and something I have been fighting for since my election in 2010. I am now confident Dartford will not get another crossing.
"We cannot accommodate another river crossing and we have worked hard to show Highways England that Dartford is not a viable option.
"Option C, east of Gravesend, is the only credible route for the Lower Thames Crossing which will be of benefit to all motorists as it offers an alternative route.
"It will also tackle the huge problems that exist with pollution in the area around Dartford and so I hope it will be built as speedily as possible.
"This proposal is good news for anyone who needs to cross the Thames and will help provide valuable improvements in the road infrastructure in The Thames Gateway area."
Meanwhile, shadow council leader Jonathon Hawkes described the announcement as a "rare relief for everyone impacted by the pollution and congestion at the existing crossing".
Roads minister Andrew Jones said: "The government is committed to delivering a Lower Thames Crossing which will increase capacity and provide better, faster journeys across the Thames.
"Once complete it could add over £7 billion to the economy by increasing investment and business opportunities, and create over 5,000 new jobs nationally."
Highways England senior project manager Martin Potts added: "Deciding where the new crossing should go is a vitally important decision.
"We've been working hard to identify solutions that strike the best balance between improving journeys, getting value for money and managing environmental impact.
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"Our assessments have shown that Location C (the third proposal) 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.
"We have identified three routes for the new road to the north of the river and two routes south of the river. We welcome views on them all."
There will be 24 public exhibitions, held at venues across Kent and Essex, before a final decision is made by the government later this year.
For more information and to give your views, click here or follow @lowerthames on Twitter.
How do you feel about the proposals? Get in touch...
Dartford residents: josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk
People of Gravesham: james.parsons@london.newsquest.co.uk
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