National Highways has released a new video fly-through that illustrates the route of the Lower Thames Crossing, as the Planning Inspectorate opened the period for members of the public, stakeholders and landowners to register to take part in the next stage of the planning process.

The new fly-through shows a bird’s eye view of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, which would provide a reliable new connection between the A2 in Kent to the M25 in south Essex. The design of the road has been shaped by the most comprehensive programme of consultation and engagement ever undertaken for a UK road scheme.

In October last year, National Highways submitted its plans for the new road to the Planning Inspectorate and later this year they will be rigorously examined by a panel of independent, government appointed experts. Ahead of the examination taking place, the Planning Inspectorate has opened the period for stakeholders and members of the public to register to become an Interested Party by making a Relevant Representation, which is the first time that comments and views on the application can be sent directly to the Planning Inspectorate. Registration is possible through the Planning Inspectorate website until 24 February, 2023.

Matt Palmer, Executive Director, Lower Thames Crossing, said: “Our plans have been shaped by a comprehensive programme of consultation and will now be examined in detail by the government’s independent planning authority. I’d like to thank members of the public and stakeholders for taking the time to give their views, both in the past and during this planning process.”

The proposed Lower Thames Crossing will almost double road capacity between Kent and Essex through the UK’s longest road tunnels. It will ease congestion on the Dartford Crossing which is one of the UKs most vital but congested roads, as well as help unlock the huge growth opportunity of the Thames estuary creating a reliable new connection between people and jobs, and businesses and their customers and suppliers.

Photo: The proposed Lower Thames Crossing.