Up to 6,000 jobs and £8 billion could benefit Kent with the building of the Lower Thames crossing, officials claim.

Highways England has announced the crossing to be built to the east of Gravesend could have a positive impact on the South East with financial investment, job creation and training opportunities.

South East Local Enterprise Partnership held an event for more than a hundred representatives from business and local authorities.

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The ‘Robots, Routes, Revenue’ event welcomed Tim Jones, the project director of the crossing, who provide an updated on route design changes.

Mr Jones said: “We are working closely with local businesses, communities and authorities to ensure we make the most of the new crossing’s potential to unlock economic growth, provide more jobs and homes, and improve access to leisure and retail opportunities.

“The Lower Thames Crossing offers a once in a generation opportunity to significantly improve connections between Essex and Kent and I know the businesses at today’s event are keen to support us in helping to fully realise the benefits this crossing will bring.”

Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, added: “For an area to grow and prosper it must have a vision and know where it wants to be, and that is why we are updating the Strategic Economic Plan.

“We must invest in our roads, rail and airports in order to help attract new businesses and jobs, and create an environment that stimulates economic growth.

“If we are to improve our productivity we must invest in our people, our places and our products, and it is imperative we bring forward investment in our infrastructure.”

Dartford Crossing handles 55 million journeys a year which is six million more than it was designed for.

The Lower Thames Crossing design updates, announced at the beginning of the month, should make a safer junction on to the M25 and blend better with the local landscape.

Further information on the Highways England design update can be found at www.lowerthamescrossing.co.uk