Roads Minister outlines proposals for tackling congestion in lower Thames area

Date: 22/5/2013

Roads Minister Stephen Hammond has outlined three potential options that could be pursued in an attempt to reduce transport congestion and boost growth in the lower Thames area.

According to the (DfT) Department for Transport, the existing A282 Dartford-Thurrock river crossing is operating above the capacity for which it was initially intended, with business productivity in the vicinity suffering as a result of serious congestion.

In order to tackle the issue, the authorities are proposing the construction of a second road-based crossing in the area to complement the A282, with three options currently under consideration.

The first possible solution is that of introducing another crossing at the site of the Dartford-Thurrock road, while the second involves connecting the A2 Swanscombe Peninsula with the A1089.

The third option is the suggestion of connecting the M2 with the A13 and the M25 between junctions 29 and 30, while a variant to this proposal is the possibility of also widening the A229 between the M2 and M20.

Commenting on the plans, Mr Hammond said: "With traffic levels expected to increase by a fifth over the next 30 years, it is vital we take action now on the future of a new lower Thames crossing to make sure that our road network is able to meet the future economic needs of the country.

"There are some tough decisions to be made, but this is the first step in making sure that the residents, businesses and motorists who rely on the crossing receive the service they expect and deserve in the years to come."

As part of the initiative, the DfT has opened a public consultation which asks businesses and residents to air their views on the plans, and this will run until July 16th.

Those wishing to express their opinions will have the opportunity to do so at various events throughout June, while they can also respond to proposals via the DfT's website.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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