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New Lower Thames Crossing images released

Cash Murphy
BBC News, South East
Lower Thames Crossing project New images of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing released by the Lower Thames Crossing Project. An aerial view shows cars driving either side of a tunnel with a single lane road on top of the tunnel, with green grass and trees on top.Lower Thames Crossing project
The tunnels will be located to the east of Gravesend in Kent, and to the west of East Tilbury in Essex

New images of the future Lower Thames Crossing have been released as the main construction of the £10bn project moves closer.

This crossing, which will represent the largest road tunnel in the UK when built, will link Tilbury, Essex, and Gravesend in Kent by two tunnels running underneath the River Thames.

The government approved the proposal in March after a 16-year process in which more than £1.2bn was spent on the planning phase.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 ahead of an expected opening by 2032.

According to National Highways, the new images showcase how the project is being shaped by putting low-carbon construction and nature "at its heart".

It is aiming for the Lower Thames Crossing to be "Britain's greenest road", with six times more green space than road, one million new trees and seven green bridges, designed to facilitate wildlife movement across roadways.

Most of the route will be in a tunnel or hidden behind landscaped embankments and mounds, it said.

The new images will be showcased at a series of community events across Kent and Essex, starting on Wednesday.

Lower Thames Crossing project A CGI image of part of the new Lower Thames Crossing between Essex and Kent. Cars can be seen driving through a tunnel.Lower Thames Crossing project
Lower Thames Crossing project A CGI image of part of the new Lower Thames Crossing between Essex and Kent. Cars be be seen driving along a three-lane road with road signage above. Lower Thames Crossing project
When constructed the Lower Thames Crossing will be the largest road tunnel in the UK at a cost of up to £10bn
National Highways hopes the road will reduce traffic at the Dartford Crossing by 20%

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