UK government announces options for new Lower Thames road crossing

The UK government has announced three options for a new Lower Thames road crossing in south east England.

The first option would see the new crossing build at the site of an existing crossing between Dartford and Thurrock, while the second option would connect the A2 at Swanscombe in Kent with the A1089 in Essex. The cost of these options has been put at between US$1.83 billion (£1.2bn) and $3.34 billion (£2.2bn). The third option, the most expensive at up to $7.59 billion (£5bn), would connect the M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex between junctions 29 and 30.The A229 between the M2 and M20 would also be widened as part of a variant to the third option, a proposal that would pass through undeveloped green belt land.

Stephen Hammond, the UK roads minister, said the new crossing is needed to combat congestion and ensure future economic needs are met. A decision on the crossing is expected in the autumn.