Tackling Thames congestion

Three options have been put forward by the DfT for tackling traffic congestion and capacity issues in the Lower Thames area. ‘Option A’ would see a new crossing at the site of the existing A282 Dartford-Thurrock crossing. ‘Option B’ involves connecting the A2 Swanscombe Peninsula with the A1089. ‘Option C’ would see the M2 connected with the A13 and the M25 between junctions 29 and 30. A variant to this final possibility would be to widen the A229 between the M2 and M20.

Roads Minister, Stephen Hammond, said, ‘With traffic levels expected to increase by a fifth over the next 30 years, it is vital we take action now on the future of a new Lower Thames crossing to make sure that our road network is able to meet the future economic needs of the country. There are some tough decisions to be made, but this is the first step in making sure that the residents, businesses and motorists who rely on the crossing receive the service they expect and deserve in the years to come. I encourage anyone who uses the existing crossing or has an interest in the location of the new crossing to let us have their views on these proposals. This will enable us to make the right decision on the location of the new crossing.

’Go to www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport/series/lower-thames-crossing for more information and visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations/options-for-a-new-lower-thames-crossing to issue a view about the crossing.