Issue - meetings

Background:

This report set out the proposals by Highways England to establish a Lower Thames Crossing between East Tilbury and Gravesend linking either to the A2 or the M2. It was explained that the new crossing was needed to reduce congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing and to unlock economic growth, supporting the development of new homes and jobs in the region.

With the agreement of the Cabinet, Councillor Maple addressed the meeting. He advised that other options could have provided Medway with the improved road network needed but Option C (Tilbury to Gravesend) was the least worst option. He also raised concerns as to the funding available for improving the surrounding highways infrastructure.

The report explained the background to these proposals. This included details of the consultation undertaken in 2013 on the options for an additional road-based river crossing and the response agreed by Cabinet on 9 July 2013.

It was explained that the option now being consulted on had three potential route options north of the river in Essex and two south of the river in Kent. The proposal was a new road connection linking the key areas of Ebbsfleet, Swanscombe and Gravesend in the south with Tilbury and the wider areas of Thurrock in the north. In the South there were two options, with one to the west (Western Southern Link) and one to the east (Eastern Southern Link).

The likely impact on the strategic road network and a recommended response from Medway Council to the consultation was set out within the report and accompanying appendices. Members considered the importance of adding commentary to this response on the capacity of the existing traffic infrastructure to respond to the construction of Option C (Tilbury to Gravesend).

Councillor Jarrett left the meeting during the consideration of this item and Councillor Doe chaired the remainder of the meeting.