Highways England has released new images and revised plans for the Lower Thames Crossing as the project begins its next phase of public consultation.
However, the road links for the £7bn project remain unfunded following the Government’s ban on existing private finance models.
The Lower Thames Crossing will nearly double road capacity across the Thames east of London through a new 14.3-mile 70mph road connecting Kent and Essex, including the world’s third-widest bored tunnel.
However, Highways England told Highways that none of the latest changes have increased the current cost estimate of up to £6.8bn.
The changes announced since the last consultation include extending the southern tunnel entrance 350 metres south.
This is in addition to an extra 600m announced in October 2018, meaning that the tunnel has increased in length by nearly 1km since plans were first announced.
Chris Taylor, director of Highways England’s Complex Infrastructure Programme, said: ‘The Lower Thames Crossing is Highways England’s most ambitious project in 30 years, designed to improve journeys across the southeast and open up new connections and opportunities for people and businesses.
‘This consultation is a chance for people to review and comment on a number of changes made since our last consultation in 2018, and to help shape this once-in-a-generation project.’
Other changes include direct access between Gravesend and the A2/M2 eastbound, and a redesigned Gravesend East junction and link roads.
North of the river, a rest and service area announced in 2018 and a maintenance depot will no longer be built, which means a planned junction at Tilbury is no longer required.
The alignment of the route between Tilbury and the A13 junction will be moved approximately 60 metres north-east to avoid pylons and overhead cables, while some slip roads around the A13/A1089 junction will be moved away from properties.
One lane southbound between the M25 and A13 junction will be removed to reduce the amount of land required. Highways England said this will still provide sufficient capacity.
After the consultation has closed in March, it will analyse the new responses ahead of finalising its plans to seek planning consent through applying for a Development Consent Order.
Asked about the current funding position, a Highways England spokesperson said: ‘The Lower Thames Crossing scheme will be procured through a public funding model that will simplify the procurement process and give the project greater flexibility to move ahead at pace.
‘Highways England remains committed to this scheme, and development will continue as planned.’
