NEW images showing plans for the proposed route of the new Thames Crossing have been released as the project begins its next phase of public consultation today (Wednesday, 29 January).

Further consultation into Highways England's proposed Lower Thames Crossing will give local residents the chance to have their say on latest changes to the multi-billion pound project and comes after a day of debate and comment on social media after it appears Highways England prematurely released information to residents via a mailshot (Click on red button below).

Highways England say the changes have been made after detailed analysis of the 29,000 responses received during the last consultation held in 2018, and new technical information following surveys and ground investigations.

The eight-week consultation begins today and will end on 25 March.

Chris Taylor, Director of Highways England's Complex Infrastructure Programme, said: "The Lower Thames Crossing is Highways England's most ambitious project in 30 years, designed to improve journeys across the southeast and open up new connections and opportunities for people and businesses.

"Getting the views of the local community and businesses is crucial to designing a project that will offer the best value, maximise the benefits for all, while reducing the impact on local communities and the environment. This consultation is a chance for people to review and comment on a number of changes made since our last consultation in 2018, and to help shape this once-in-a-generation project."

Though much of the detail of changes was released vis the letters received by local residents on Tuesday, the embargoed release by Highways England, which became public at midnight, include:

• Providing direct access between Gravesend and the A2/M2 eastbound, and a redesigned Gravesend East junction and link roads to reduce congestion;
• Extending the southern tunnel entrance (in Gravesend) 350 metres south to move the road away from properties in Chalk and reduce impact on protected bird habitats in the Ramsar Marshes and the Thames Estuary;
• Removing the rest and service area and maintenance depot after further investigation and consideration of the issues raised during statutory consultation, which means the junction at Tilbury is no longer required;
• Moving the alignment of the route between Tilbury and the A13 junction by approximately 60 metres (north-east) to avoid pylons and overhead cables;
• Redesigning some slip roads around the A13/A1089 junction to move roads away from properties, improve safety at the junctions, and improve visual impact, and;
• Removing one lane southbound between the M25 and A13 junction to reduce the amount of land required, while still providing sufficient capacity.