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A council is vowing to mount pressure on Highways England to consider residents in the Lower Thames Crossing plans.
Gravesham council debated how to make the borough’s voice heard at a meeting recently which discussed plans for the £6.8bn project.
The 14-mile crossing could connect Kent and Essex
If built, the Lower Thames Crossing could help remove 14 million vehicles from the Dartford Crossing, by taking traffic through a 14-mile crossing from Essex to the east of Gravesend.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2021, with the crossing due to open in 2027.
Almost 29,000 public consultation responses forced Highways England to delay a formal application on plans.
But the council revealed there will be a public consultation in early 2020 ahead of a Development Consent Order being submitted next summer.
Members of the council heard there were concerns over implications to the road network, connections to the A2 and the health and safety of residents during construction.
Cllr Brian Sangha, cabinet member for the strategic environment, said: “Speaking on behalf of the members of the strategic environment committee, as a council we have already been successful in having changes made to the proposals for the benefit of our community and environment.
“These include a change in the location of the tunnel portals on this side of the Thames and alterations to the Marling Cross junction layout, showing that if we speak with a united voice we can influence the plans.”
He added the council would look at how to canvass the views of residents and businesses to inform its representations to Highways England.
Cllr Sangha (Lab) added: “We want and need to speak with one voice as a borough to Highways England and to keep local people informed of the progress of the project. I would urge residents and businesses to make their opinions clear to their local council member so we can lobby Highways England.
“Equally, we need to maximise any positives such as job opportunities and the possibility of apprenticeships when construction starts.
“This is the most important strategic project affecting Gravesham and we are determined to keep local people informed and represented.”
