A new consultation into the multi-billion pound Lower Thames Crossing has been launched by Highways England.

The proposed Lower Thames Crossing project will be a 14.3-mile, 70mph new road

The Lower Thames Crossing that will connect Essex, Thurrock and Kent, is getting a further consultation designed to give 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.

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.

The consultation will feature an online exhibition, 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: [email protected]
• 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.

The crossing is still subject to planning approval by government following submission by Highways England.