The Lower Thames Crossing will be built east of Gravesend, the Government announced today.

After a decade-long saga to reach this point, the crossing is expected to take a further 10 years to build.

Dartford Council and MP Gareth Johnson have openly backed the proposal.

MORE: Council leader hints Lower Thames Crossing could bring drop in Dartford toll prices

Mr Johnson said: “This is possibly the most significant decision affecting Dartford in a generation. It is not only the right decision for Dartford but also for the whole country.

“Many of us have worked hard, often behind the scenes, to convince the Government that it would have been wrong to locate another crossing at Dartford and funnel more traffic in to the area and on to roads that can’t cope as it is.”

The planned route will run from the M25 near North Ockendon before crossing under the Thames east of Tilbury and Gravesend.

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Mr Johnson added: “It would have been catastrophic for Dartford if we had lost this argument."

The crossing will take about 10 years to build, and in the meantime transport secretary Chris Grayling announced a £10 million influx into the area to ease existing problems.

Mr Johnson said: “Nobody is claiming this money will completely remove the current problems but they should provide some benefit.

“In addition, Highways England will continue looking at ways to improve the flows of traffic across Dartford whilst the building of the Lower Thames Crossing takes place. 

“I understand this decision may not be welcomed by residents in Gravesend but we will do what we can to ensure the impact on the environment is limited.”

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The decision has been welcomed by local officials.

Jonathon Hawkes, leader of Dartford Labour, said: “It’s a welcome relief that the government have finally listened to people of Dartford and made the right decision on the site of a new crossing.  

“Dartford desperately needs a comprehensive traffic and transport plan covering road improvement, connectivity and public transport provision. Since 2010, we’ve seen central government repeatedly fail to get to grips with traffic and transport infrastructure needs in Kent.”