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A new lower Thames crossing could end up in Dartford, Swanscombe or near Gravesend

by Thom Morristmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

Dartford Crossing

Rumours are flying that an announcement on plans for the lower Thames crossing could be made tomorrow.

There are no certainties as to when word will be made on which of the three sites the government had opted for. But suggestions have been made that it could come as part of the government’s autumn statement - where the Chancellor updates MPs on the government’s spending plans - tomorrow.

The announcement of plans for a new lower Thames crossing was made in the autumn statement of 2011.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson’s office said they had not been made aware on an announcement while Gravesham MP Adam Holloway said he had “heard the rumour” and was “quite worried about it”.

The three options for a new lower Thames crossing are: at the site of the existing crossing; connecting the A2 Swanscombe Peninsula with the A1089; joining the M2 with the A13 and the M25 between junctions 29 and 30 as well as widening the A229 between the M2 and M20.

Options for a new Thames crossing

In the House of Lords last week, Lord Adonis questioned when a response to the public consultation on the sites would be published.

The Minister of State, Department for Transport Baroness Kramer said: “The government expects to publish the consultation response and make an announcement before the end of this year.”

Tomorrow afternoon, a further debate on the crossing is expected with the question coming from Lord Hanningfield on “plans to construct a further bridge near the current Dartford river crossings”.