A PROPOSED tram network that could eventually feature a cross Thames link to Thurrock took another step forward this week.

The KenEx cross-river project is being promoted by Thames Gateway Tramlink Ltd which is currently working with various local stakeholders for a clean, sustainable, economically generative step change in local transport.

The company has been engaged with Thurrock Council and businesses on this side of the Thames, while at the same time working hard to promote the advantages of trams as part of a north Kent transport network.

And a latest positive development came at a meeting when Kent county councillors voted through crucial infrastructure to create a key public transport link between new Ebbsfleet developments and Bluewater Shopping Centre.

This connection will significantly reduce journey times by public transport and planners have stated that the dimensions of the new tunnel will mean that it will, in the future, be able to take trams as well as buses.

Support for a local tram network has gained broad support by local residents.

And news of progress came in the same week that the backers of the proposed London Resort on the Swanscombe Peninsula on the Thames opposite Tilbury and Grays said they had made significant progress. Links to the peninsula from Thurrock are likely to become a major consideration going forwards.

While the project still has many stages to pass through before it becomes a reality, the decision by Kent to include trams as a possible part of the local transport infrastructure is seen as pivotal – and attention may soon turn to gaining similar commitments in Thurrock.

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Trams expert and transport consultant Tony Young who has been working as an advisor on the project said: "There is now a great opportunity to safeguard the future option of developing a new tramway using part of the Fastrack busway linked to a new Thames crossing in a tunnel which will create routes directly linking Kent with Essex in Thurrock.

"I am confident that the exciting and imaginative KenEx tram plans will dramatically enhance the local economy and environment of Thames Gateway."