As the new lower Thames crossing consultation draws to a close today it has been revealed that almost 30,000 people have responded online alone.

Not including those who have sent in postal feedback, or have yet to fill in the form until the 11.45pm deadline today, the government’s roads minister said he was impressed with the huge level of interest.

The proposed new road link across the River Thames, which could cost upwards of £5billion, has various options, but Highways England have favoured C.

The plan is for a new road east of Gravesend and a bored tunnel under the Thames, which join to new roads at Tilbury, Essex, which will subsequently connect to the A13 (Orsett) and onto the M25 (near North Ockendon).

The eight week consultation has also seen nearly 13,000 people visit public events to learn more about the variants currently on the table for these options.

Other meetings have been called locally for people across the parishes to be able to talk to their local councillors.

With many people’s homes at risk of being Compulsory Purchase Ordered and demolished if Option C is given the go-ahead, hundreds of residents have been protesting and holding demonstrations across the borough against the proposals, as well as in Essex.

All responses will now be analysed before a final decision on a preferred route is made by the government; this is expected later this year.

If a decision is made swiftly, the new road network and crossing could be open in 2025 if funded by public money. It would take until 2027 if private contractors need to be brought in and the job tendered out.

But before any construction work is started a second stage of assessment and design means a further consultation over the more minute detailing of the plans: exactly where the roads will go, and who it will directly affect.

Roads minister Andrew Jones said: “The government is making the biggest investment in roads in a generation. We are committed to delivering a Lower Thames Crossing which will increase capacity and provide better, faster journeys across the Thames. Once complete it could add over £7bn to the economy and create over 5,000 new jobs nationally.

“It is good to see so many people have their say on the proposals. Those views will now be taken into account before a decision on a preferred route for the crossing is made.”

Highways England consultation manager Martin Potts said: “The number of responses and people we’ve seen at the events has been really encouraging.

“We appreciate that where the new crossing should go is a vitally important decision for local people and we wanted to get as many views as possible to make sure we provide a comprehensive and thorough recommendation to the government.

“We need to get the best balance between improving journeys and getting value for money while managing the impact on the local area.”

You can still have your say by visiting the consultation website here.