Highways England has launched a consultation for a proposed multibillion road link across the River Thames.

Two locations were shortlisted for the new route between Essex and Kent in 2013.

One was proposed to have been built near the existing Dartford Crossing (Option A), while the other would link the M2 with the M25 via the A13 (Option C), with a possible further link to the M20 (Option C Variant).

After carrying out detailed investigations on each option, the roads agency has recommended crossing at location C through a bored tunnel.

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The scheme would run from the end of the M2, crossing the river east of Gravesend and Tilbury and join the M25 between junctions 29 and 30.

Highways England senior project manager, Martin Potts, said: "Deciding where the new crossing should go is a vitally important decision, and we’ve been working hard to identify solutions that strike the best balance between improving journeys, getting value for money and managing environmental impact.

"Our assessments have shown that Location C provides double the economic benefits of Location A as well as a clear alternative route to the Dartford Crossing, reducing congestion and improving resilience of the road network.

"And by choosing a tunnel rather than a bridge we can minimise the effects of the new road on the environment."

An eight week public consultation on the proposed scheme is now underway and will run until Thursday, 24 March.

(LM/MH)