Thousands of people have shared their views on the latest proposals for Britain's biggest roads project in a generation.

More than 6,000 people took part in a public consultation for the Lower Thames Crossing, a new 14.3 mile road linking Kent, Thurrock and Essex.

Once built, it will be the UK's longest road tunnel which will start in Gravesend and run under the River Thames to Essex.

The consultation closed on Thursday evening after Highways England officials extended the eight-week scheme by a further week to allow more time for people to respond in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Lower Thames Crossing project director, Alan Seywright, said: "We'd like to thank everyone who participated in our consultation and provided feedback, especially given the challenges of recent weeks.

"The responses will play a vital part in firming up our plans for the Lower Thames Crossing.

"We'll continue to work with businesses, communities and local authorities to develop the design and maximise opportunities to unlock economic growth and improve access to leisure, retail and job opportunities."

A spokesman revealed more than 74,000 people visited the project's website throughout the consultation.

Before now, 29,000 views and opinions were received on technical information from surveys and site investigations.

The authority, which is in charge of the country's motorway and major roads, will now work through the latest responses.

Following that, plans for the project's planning application will be submitted later this year along with a consultation report explaining how the issues raised during the consultations were considered.

It is expected that another round of canvassing will take place following further work on the final design but it is not known when that is likely to be.

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