The Government has today approved plans for the Lower Thames Crossing. The new road and tunnels will pass through Gravesham. They will connect Kent and Essex.
The Secretary of State for Transport has given official permission for the project through a Development Consent Order (DCO). This follows an official examination between June and December 2023. People were asked for their views earlier this year.
This news is not a surprise. The Council had already been told that a decision would be made by 23 May. The Council has been working with the project team to get real benefits for Gravesham if the project went ahead.
The Council has had encouraging responses from National Highways on a number of asks, for example around the creation of a skills training centre in the borough, a land deal adjacent to Cascades leisure centre that would open up a host of possible health and wellbeing uses, positive discussions in relation to discounted use of the new crossing and existing Dartford Crossing for local residents. The Council has also discussed improving local wildlife and nature. This could use new land the Council owns at Hazells Farm in Istead Rise.
Gravesham Borough Council will continue to engage with National Highways and the Department for Transport to ensure the needs of local residents and businesses are fully considered as the scheme moves forward.
Further Updates on construction timelines are expected later this year.