AN online exhibition with interactive maps and videos will be a part of the new consultation into refinements for Britain’s most ambitious roads project in a generation, Highways England has announced today.
The further consultation into the multi-billion pound Lower Thames Crossing, which will connect Essex, Thurrock and Kent, will give people the opportunity to view and comment on refinements made to the project’s design based on feedback from earlier consultations, discussions with communities, design updates, and emerging technical information.
The proposed refinements include:
minor changes to elements of the highways design;
new and updated paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders;
proposals for redirecting and upgrading utilities;
more detailed landscaping proposals, and;
further developed ecological mitigation measures.
The consultation will be open between 00.01 Tuesday 14 July and 23.59 Wednesday 12 August.
Highways England chief executive officer Jim O’Sullivan said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is part of the biggest investment in our road network for a generation and a crucial part of our future infrastructure. It will play a vital role in boosting local and national economic growth, providing reliable journeys, connecting communities and businesses.”
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “Our road network must be fit for the future and the Lower Thames Crossing will be key to this – almost doubling road capacity between Kent and Essex, boosting the local and regional economy and improving journeys across the South East.
“I encourage everyone to go online and have their say on the proposed changes to the design of the project.”
Highways England has made a number of refinements to the project design based on feedback from previous consultations, engagement with stakeholders, and ongoing design work. This new consultation provides an important opportunity for people to have their say on the project updates before the planning application is submitted.
The consultation will feature an online exhibition which will enable visitors to look at digital exhibition boards, similar to physical ones at events. It will also feature videos, an interactive map of the entire route and documents providing details of the design changes. As part of the consultation, the project team will also host webinars to explain key changes, also giving participants an opportunity to ask questions to the presenters.
Anyone without internet access or who experiences difficulties downloading materials, can order a printed copy of the consultation materials to be sent to their home and can book a call back from a member of the project team if they have any questions about the changes.
From Tuesday 14 July, people can get involved by:
Filling in an online survey at: www.lowerthamescrossing.co.uk/design-consultation
Posting comments or paper response forms to: FREEPOST LTC CONSULTATION
Emailing comments to: LTC.CONSULTATION@TRAVERSE.LTD
Calling 0300 123 5000 to book an appointment to provide feedback
The proposed Lower Thames Crossing project will be a 14.3-mile, 70mph new road, with the longest road tunnel in the UK beneath the Thames. It will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London, connecting communities, reducing delays and providing more reliable journeys.
The feedback from this consultation will help Highways England complete its application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) later this year, asking Government for planning permission to build the new crossing.
To keep up to date with the latest travel information follow @HighwaysEAST on Twitter or visit www.highwaysengland.co.uk
The Lower Thames Crossing will give the best value for money of any major infrastructure project for a long time.