The community impacts consultation – running from July to 23:59 on Wednesday 8 September 2021 - gives Highways England communities the opportunity to have their say on Highways England proposals to build and operate the Lower Thames Crossing, and how the project would reduce its impact on the local community and environment.
It also includes changes made to the project since the last consultation in 2020, and a summary of how the feedback received in the record-breaking programme of consultation has been used in developing the scheme.
The public can visit a dedicated consultation website that contains new images of the proposed road, three new fly-throughs showing it before, during and after construction, and an updated interactive map. A range of consultation documents have also been published, including summaries that provide an unprecedented level of information tailored to each local community affected by the project.
Highways England have also provided a range of ways to help communities understand the plans and provide feedback, including the dedicated website, webinars, and a telephone call back service. A series of indoor and outdoor events at locations along the proposed route are also planned, and materials can be picked up from local libraries and civic centres.
This consultation is an important opportunity for people to give their opinion, before Highways England finalise their proposals and prepare to submit their application later this year.
When the consultation closes, Highways England will take some time to consider people feedback. Highways England plan to submit a new application for a Development Consent Order later this year. This will start the 18 month consent process. If given the green light, construction is expected to start in 2024 and take around six years, leading to a revised road opening date between 2029 and 2030. For all consultation materials, webinars and booking a telephone call back, please click here. For further on the project click here and uk/91 for tunnelbuider archive. Visit https://highwaysengland.co.uk and https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com. 29/21.
