The Government has today approved plans for the Lower Thames Crossing-with the route passing through the Borough of Gravesham as the new link road and tunnels will connect Kent and Essex.
The Secretary of State for Transport has granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the project. This follows an official examination process that ran between June and December 2023, with further consultation carried out earlier this year.
This announcement is not unexpected, as the Council had previously been told that a decision on the future of the crossing would be made by 23 May this year, and accordingly the Council has for some time been working with the Lower Thames Crossing Team to secure tangible outcomes for the Gravesham community should the scheme be given approval by the Secretary of State.
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, and a positive contribution to biodiversity net gain in the borough, potentially through recently acquired land by the Council at Hazells Farm, 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.