The Highways England Proposals

Overview

• Project: Lower Thames Crossing (LTC)

  • A new road linking Kent and Essex via a tunnel under the Thames.

  • Promoted as a solution to congestion at the Dartford Crossing.

Location & Route in Kent

• Starting Point: New junction on the A2 near Gravesend.

• Ending Point: M25 between junctions 29 and 30, on the north side of the Thames.

• Key Features:

  • A 1.8-mile twin-bore tunnel.

  • A new junction on the A2 east of Gravesend.

Kent-side Route & Land Affected

• Tunnel Portal Location: South of the A226 near Chalk, east of Gravesend.

• Route (from the Thames north to south):

  • The road will pass through the former Southern Valley Golf Course (permanently closed) and open farmland.

  • It will cross Thong Lane, impacting homes at the south east corner of Riverview Park.

  • The road will curve towards the A2, passing near Thong village, and merge into the redesigned A2/M2 corridor.

A2 Junction at Cobham

• New Junction: The new LTC junction will be added to the A2.

• Lane Reductions: The A2/M2 will be reduced from four lanes to two between the LTC junction and the M2/A289 junction at Three Crutches.

Massive, Overbuilt Interchange

• Design: A large, multi-layered concrete structure with flyovers, slip roads, and ramps connecting the LTC to the A2.

• Land Use: Significant land will be taken, requiring earthworks and creating new embankments and cuttings.

Environmental Impact

• Land Affected:

  • Destruction of parts of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

  • Disruption of wildlife corridors connecting the Thames Estuary with inland reserves.

• Impact: Increased air and noise pollution from higher traffic volumes in Gravesend, Shorne, Cobham, and surrounding areas.

Construction & Timeline

• Duration: The construction is expected to take at least six years, though delays are likely.

• Impacts:

  • Compulsory land acquisition for homes, businesses, and farmland.

  • Roadworks and diversions will cause extended disruptions on the A2, A226, and other local roads.

Tunnel Tolling

• Toll System: The LTC will implement a new toll system based on dynamic differential charging.

• Pricing: National Highways plans to adjust pricing to encourage drivers to use the LTC over the Dartford Crossing.