New details on the long-awaited Lower Thames Crossing linking Kent to Essex have been revealed.

Highways England has provided more information about the preferred 'Option C' which was welcomed by officials in Dartford earlier this year.

The £6bn project will link the M25, near North Ockendon, Essex, with the A2 near Shorne, Kent, passing through greenbelt land.

It has been announced that the crossing will have three lanes in each direction, with other changes including a new junction at the port of Tilbury, and widening the A2 to junction one of the M2 near Shorne.

There will no longer be a junction at the A226 at Gravesend, Highways England said.

The project has been opposed by Thurrock and Gravesham Borough councils, but Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said it was the right decision for town.

Tim Jones, Highways England project director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: “We are working closely with local businesses, communities and authorities to ensure we make the most of the new crossing’s potential to unlock economic growth, provide more jobs and homes, and improve access to leisure and retail opportunities.

 

“The Lower Thames Crossing offers a once in a generation opportunity to significantly improve connections between Essex Thurrock and Kent, and I know the businesses at today’s event are keen to support us in helping to fully realise the benefits this crossing will bring.”

Under the plans, the new road will cross the A13 at Orsett and connect land east of Tilbury to land east of Gravesend.

Those behind the crossing say it will create 6,000 jobs and boost the economy by more than £8bn.

Christian Brodie, Chairman of South East Local Enterprise Partnership, said the investment in infrastructure was key for the area.

Mr Brodie added: “We recognise there are those on both sides of the Thames that will be affected, but believe Highways England is doing all it can to mitigate the impact.

“The new crossing is much more than just a tunnel with a road at either end as it will have a positive impact on the economy of the SELEP area, and the UK as a whole.”

The current Dartford Crossing handles 55 million journeys a year, six million more than it was designed for and suffers closures almost every day due to traffic incidents.

The Lower Thames Crossing design updates in Essex will see changes to the proposed junction with the M25 between junctions 29 and 30.

Campaigners have had several ideas on how to fix the Dartford Crossing, including a tram system, sending hazardous vehicles the other way and a dedicated response unit.