Lower Thames Crossing plan for Essex and Kent is approved

The construction of the largest road tunnel in Britain was approved by the government after the £ 9BN scheme.

The lower themes connect the tilbury, essex and gravase to two tunnels in the crossing temperature with two tunnels running under the Temes River.

The national highways expected the road to reduce traffic by 20% on the Dartford crossing and would be open by 2032.

Labor MP for Dartford Jim Dixon stated that the decision would “finally provide a solution to traffic chaos”.

Roads of 14.5-mile (23 km) will add A2 and M2 to A13 and M25 to Thurrock in Kent.

The route would be about 2.6 miles (4.2 km) underground, with one side of the north and a south -east tunnel that moves next to each other under the Tems.

It was 16 years to make Tuesday’s announcement, with the project first robbed in 2009 and more than £ 1.2BN was planned in taxpayers’ money.

The application was submitted to the plan inspector for consideration by the National Highways on 31 October 2022.

A recommendation for its approval was later made to the State Secretary for Transport Heida Alexander on 20 March.

National highways plans to start construction in 2026.

Dixon said: “Very long governments have dodged a decision on the lower Temes crossing, leaving the dartford residents to bear the endless gridlock.

“This decision will unlock economic growth across the country and finally provide a solution to the traffic chaos faced by my components on a daily basis.”

The BBC understands that the decision on the funding model has not yet been made, but the usefulness tasks with important private sector finance will be funded publicly.

Chancellor rahel reeves Said in January Private sector “can help our country strictly distribute infrastructure”.

React to declaration On XJames McMardock, South Basildon and East Thurrowrock MP, said that the crowd at Kent would be “unresolved” despite the project.

The reform UK MP would have feared the miles of rural areas “adding” Termac “, adding:” Where has our pride and ambition have gone from? “

Campares have also raised concerns Ancient woodland is getting affected By works.

Director of Transport Action Network Chris Tod said that the decision was “complete madness”.

He said: “The government can tolerate this white elephant, the only way they can take money from all other countries and regions of Britain.

“Instead of promoting growth, it will close the roads in the southeast and slow down the economy.”

Gareth Beckon, Conservative Shadow Secretary of State, welcomed the project approval.

“Satan will be in detail, at least how to fund this project,” he said.

Lib Dame MP for Tunbridge Wales, Mike Martin said: “Today the announcement should not come at the cost of other important transport infrastructure in the field – including rail connections between Kent and Essex.”

National highways have described the project as the “most important road project in a generation”.

Executive Director Matt Palmer said: “It will unlock development with fast, safe and more reliable journey.

“Our plans have been shaped by the local community and refined by strong and rigorous examination from independent experts.”