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Lower Thames Crossing Approved

By Rochester & Strood Conservatives on

Option C Thames Crossing
Option C Thames Crossing

On Tuesday 12 April, the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling confirmed the preferred route for the Lower Thames Crossing which will be as follows:

  • a bored tunnel crossing under the River Thames east of Gravesend and Tilbury (Location C)
  • a new road north of the river which will join the M25 between junctions 29 and 30 (Route 3)
  • a new road south of the river which will join the A2 east of Gravesend (the Western Southern Link)

You can view the Department for Transport press release here.

Peninsula councillor, Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services, said:

Medway Council is thrilled with the Secretary of State for Transport’s announcement today to back option C, the western southern link (WSL) as the location for a new Lower Thames Crossing. The Council has been in favour of an additional crossing from day one, and option C WSL has been our preferred option all along.
Not only will this alleviate congestion on the Dartford Crossing, but it will create easy access into Medway from the M25 via the M2 and A2. This will be a major catalyst to drive further economic development in the area, attracting more business, raising aspirations and putting Medway on the map as a place with great transport connections, in addition to the existing high speed rail service into central London.
We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. This decision means Medway is set to become an even more convenient and desirable place to live, work, learn and visit.
While we are pleased with the decision, it’s now essential that the Department for Transport invest in the wider road network and infrastructure to support the impact the crossing will have on Kent and Medway.”