More than 6,000 people have taken part in a public consultation into plans for the new Lower Thames Crossing; billed as Britain’s biggest roads project for a generation.

The proposed north tunnel entrance to the Lower Thames Crossing

The proposed 14.3-mile road would link Kent, Thurrock and Essex via the UK’s longest road tunnel under the River Thames, almost doubling road capacity across the River Thames east of London and providing more reliable journeys while reducing delays.

The consultation, which closed last week (Thursday 2 April), asked for feedback on the latest design changes and proposals.

It had been originally scheduled to run for eight weeks from Wednesday 29 January, but Highways England extended the consultation by a week, reflecting the Government’s guidance on managing the coronavirus.

Alan Seywright, project director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who participated in our consultation and provided feedback, especially given the challenges of recent weeks. The responses will play a vital part in firming up our plans for the Lower Thames Crossing. We’ll continue to work with businesses, communities and local authorities to develop the design and maximise opportunities to unlock economic growth and improve access to leisure, retail and job opportunities.”

The responses will inform the plans for the project’s planning application, known as a Development Consent Order (DCO) application, to be submitted later this year.

Highways England is also anticipating a further round of consultation on some design refinements ahead of submitting the DCO application later this year.