Dates for the next round of community consultations on plans to build the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) have been set.
It comes weeks before a final decision on the planning application is due to be made by the government
The controversial scheme looks to build a 14-mile road to connect Kent and Essex via a new tunnel under the River Thames, near Gravesend.
It has been in the works for 15 years but no physical construction has yet taken place due to multiple setbacks and concerns over the spiralling costs.
However, the government is due to discuss and decide on the planning application for the £9 billion scheme on October 4.
Ahead of this, National Highways, which is spearheading the major road scheme, has announced a series of events at community halls and shopping centres to give people a chance to chat with its team.
It will be the first opportunity to speak with its delivery partners who will build the LTC if it is approved and find out what work they plan to complete in the next year.
In Kent, events will be held on the following dates:
- Friday, September 20, from 3pm to 8pm at Chalk Parish Hall, in Pirrip Close, Chalk, DA12 2ND
- Wednesday, September 25, from 3pm to 8pm at Cascades Leisure Centre, in Thong Lane, Gravesend, DA12 4LG
- Saturday, September 28, from 10am to 5pm at Thamesgate Shopping Centre, in Gravesend, DA11 0AU
- Tuesday, October 1, from 10am to 8.30pm at Bluewater Shopping Centre, in Greenhithe, DA9 9ST
Last month, it was speculated the LTC was among the major infrastructure projects due to be scrapped by the new Labour government.
Instead of shelving it, it is understood the Treasury is weighing up different ways to attract private finance to reduce the strain on the public purse and offset the project’s growing costs.
According to the Financial Times, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves is said to be considering a PFI-style deal.
The scheme, which is intended to relieve pressure on the often traffic-jammed Dartford Crossing, has been backed by various businesses and Dartford council.
However, neighbouring Gravesham council, where the tunnel would be built, has opposed the current positioning of the scheme and has requested proper mitigation measures be put in place to compensate for the huge impacts it will have.
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