THAMESPORT freight traffic could soon be using a new rail link under the Thames at Gravesend.

Planners are investigating the plan as a way of easing road traffic congestion in north Kent which is expected to rise by a third by 2016.

The tunnel would also solve the potential crisis on the Victorian North Kent Line into London. Massive investment has been flagged if the existing route is to be suitable for the additional container trains coming off the Hoo peninsula.

The tunnel would link the North Kent Line route with South Essex trains at Tilbury, relieving north Kent of freight trains.

It would also provide an alternative passenger route to London, although the viability of this is being seriously questioned.

The other major development - which could tie in with the proposed Cliffe Airport and the need for an outer motorway to relieve the M25 - is a Lower Thames Crossing.

A report to Medway Cabinet says the crossing would cross the Thames to the east of Shellhaven. It would probably be a road and rail tunnel.

The crossing would serve Thamesport - one of Britain's busiest ports - and Shellhaven, where a new monster container port is being built.

It would provide important road links between Medway and the Southend-Basildon conurbation.

The report says the route is chiefly seen as a way of relieving congestion in London, providing relief for the Dartford Crossing and the M25.

It adds that no one has yet worked out what the economic benefits would be to Medway.

However, the proposals for Cliffe would give the crossing a major boost, providing motorway and rail access to the suggested international airport.

The two plans are being investigated by the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership.