There are just a few days left to tell Highways England what you think about one of the biggest projects to affect the people of Kent.

Consultation on the proposals for the Lower Thames Crossing, which could see a tunnel running underneath the river east of Gravesend, closes on March 24.

More than 13,000 people have attended the Highways England exhibitions held as part of the eight-week public consultation.

There has also been numerous public meetings, protests, walks to view the countryside it will affect and thousands of postings on social media as people share their views.

Opinion is truly divided but there is one thing the politicians all agree on, and that is that people must make sure they have their say.

The consultation outlines plans for Option C only, a bored tunnel and surrounding road network east of Gravesend.

Although officially still on the table, Highways England says its assessment has shown that Option A – another crossing at Dartford – would not solve the traffic problem there and would do little for the economy locally, regionally or nationally.

Option B, which planned to connect the A2 Swanscombe Peninsula with the A1089 at Tilbury in Essex, was scrapped in 2013.

With Option C, a new road would have to be built to the east of Gravesend, meeting up with the A226. Suggested routes are to go up from the A2 at Thong Lane hugging the edge of the town, or across from junction 1 of the M2, going northwest around Shorne.

Depending on which road network is chosen, it could cost between £4.3 billion and £5.9bn.

Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con), leader of Dartford council, said the consultation was a once in a lifetime opportunity to find a common sense solution for the whole county.

“Kent has got to decide whether it wants its traffic to keep moving, whether people can get to work and get home in time and not get stuck in jams,” he said.

“We have heard from Highways England that you simply couldn’t build it at Dartford without wrecking the economy – the four or five years spent building would absolutely bring the local area to a halt.”

He added: “This isn’t a time for emotion or nimbyism. I do understand why people campaign against things in their backyard but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right.

“We’ve got to get a solution that is fair and relieves the burden for Dartford’s families who quite frankly suffer every week.”

Gareth Johnson (Con), MP for Dartford, said: “We cannot have another crossing at Dartford and we need people to make that clear to the Department of Transport. I would urge people to take part in the consultation to help ensure the crossing is built elsewhere.

“Motorists need an alternative route and the route identified east of Gravesend will provide this and open up the area to a wide range of economic benefits.”

Those opposed to Highways England’s proposal are not giving up on the idea that they can persuade the government to ditch Option C.

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Cubitt (Con) said: “The option put forward does not deal with the problem at Dartford and there other options available that would do. It doesn’t provide the people of Dartford with any relief from congestion and more importantly, any relief from pollution.”

He said although the consultation asks about the variations of Option C, it doesn’t ask about the other options available, such as Option A – another crossing at Dartford.

Cllr Cubitt added: “People in general feel that the consultation is a con, it has not been conducted in a proper manner, but it’s important to make sure your view is heard.”

Gravesham MP Adam Holloway has visited several people who will be directly affected in the Gravesham area and, since the consultation began, has urged people to take part.

Previously, he said: “There’s a problem at Dartford so fix the problem at Dartford. If they build a road here, I’m still going to be campaigning for a crossing a Dartford.

“Even if I thought C was a good idea, I would support my constituents, but you’ve got to address Dartford.”

Public consultation closes at 11.45pm on Thursday, March 24. Log onto www.lower-thames-crossing.co.uk