New Thames Crossing East of Gravesend

[Trickedem]

Highways England have now published outline plans for a new crossing of the Thames to the East of Gravesend.
In a few years time you will be able to cycle over the Thames on a dedicated cycle path and cycling in Kent and Essex will be transformed......Or will it?

Rather predictably the emphasis is on developing a motorway grade crossing in a tunnel that will speed journey times for cars and road freight. There is nothing mentioned in any of the proposals about any provision for cycling or pedestrians.

So here is your opportunity to have your thoughts heard (and possibly ignored)

https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/cip/lower-thames-crossing-consultation/consult_view

 

[Sharky]

Can't imagine a cycle path over the Thames. If it's a bridge, then it's going to be a high one and windy and if a tunnel? They don't let cyclists under the Medway tunnel and that's not very long.

Whatever happens it's going to be an interesting time, especially with the new Theme Park at Swanscombe. But as a local resident (longfield), I dread what it going to happen to all the lesser roads. Already a nightmare when there is a slight accident anywhere.

 

[Mile195]

I see your point, but in fairness there is a cycle/pedestrian ferry at Gravesend, so everybody's needs are at least in some way catered for. That is, of course, unless the coming of a new bridge means the ferry service is stopped which is very often the way with these things.

 

[Dogtrousers]

The beeb quote Highways England as having chosen, or at least preferring, a tunnel
Martin Potts, of Highways England said [...] "By choosing a tunnel rather than a bridge we can minimise the effects of the new road on the environment."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35408070

 

[Dogtrousers]

As it's going to be a tunnel then either: Cycling/walking will be banned (most probably), or it will be so utterly horrible that no one in their right mind will cycle/walk there.

So the only hope for continued Kent-Essex fraternisation is that either the Gravesend ferry survives, or they introduce a shuttle thing like at the Dartford crossing.

 

[Sharky]

I see your point, but in fairness there is a cycle/pedestrian ferry at Gravesend, so everybody's needs are at least in some way catered for. That is, of course, unless the coming of a new bridge means the ferry service is stopped which is very often the way with these things.

Often thought of the Gravesend / Tilbury ferry, but in 45 years of living in the area, have never used it. For cycling, I always stay south of the river. I did work in Brentwood, for some years and of all the places I've worked, it is to my regret, that it is the only work place I never commuted by bike at least once.

The only times I've cycled in Essex were on roads with funny numbers - E72, E34 etc

 

[mjr]

I see your point, but in fairness there is a cycle/pedestrian ferry at Gravesend, so everybody's needs are at least in some way catered for.

Unless that section of your journey occurs after 7.10pm? Then it's a 40 mile detour to the Woolwich Ferry or foot tunnel.

 

[martint235]

Unless that section of your journey occurs after 7.10pm? Then it's a 40 mile detour to the Woolwich Ferry or foot tunnel.

Well you could go across at Dartford which is a lot nearer.

Although it's not as good as it once was with the occasional break in service such as 9pm - 10.30pm

 

[mjr]

Well you could go across at Dartford which is a lot nearer.

Although it's not as good as it once was with the occasional break in service such as 9pm - 10.30pm

I've never done that and I can't find much info online except a line marked "shuttle" on the map. The top web search hit was https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/dartford-crossing.56678/ on this very site! Looks like there are now four breaks in service every day and the shuttle can only take three bikes at a time. Not really even comparable provision to what motorists have or are proposed to get, is it? Let alone equivalent or encouraging!

 

[martint235]

I've never done that and I can't find much info online except a line marked "shuttle" on the map. The top web search hit was https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/dartford-crossing.56678/ on this very site! Looks like there are now four breaks in service and the shuttle can only take three bikes at a time. Not really even comparable provision to what motorists have or are proposed to get, is it? Let alone equivalent or encouraging!

No but at "free" it's far cheaper than what the motorist gets. One of the few situations where they do subsidise us. It is an incredibly useful service to the ordinary cyclist. Sure I wouldn't attempt to take a large group across but even if there's 6 of you, it's not onerous.

 

[martint235]

Not as useful as a cycle path you could just ride over whenever you want.

Very true but I'm a lazy b*****d at heart and it's a lot less effort

 

[Markymark]

Very true but I'm a lazy b*****d at heart and it's a lot less effort

Amen brother, amen.

 

[Trickedem]

10 week consultation has opened: https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/ltc/consultation/

Also:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-45799384
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/10/revised-plans-for-thames-crossing-attract-controversy

Here's the important bit:
Section 6: Local communities, landscapes and the environment
The Lower Thames Crossing is a motorway and will have the same restrictions, which means walkers, cyclists and horse riders will not be allowed to use the tunnel or road.

And you can bet your bottom dollar there won't be a shuttle service and the ferry will stop running.

 

[pjd57]

Theres absolutely nothing to stop them putting a cycle tunnel in, but they wont.

 

[Drago]

Just what we need - capacity for more cars on the road.