Over 47,000 people took part in a consultation discussing the new lower Thames crossing project, Highways England has announced.

The scheme would be the first new road crossing in 25 years for the river east of London.

The roads agency said the project would open up new areas for economic growth, relive congestion at the existing Dartford Crossing and improve the resilience of the road network.

During the two-month public consultation over the schemes preferred route, 30,000 people "had their say" online, with a further 3,700 completing a paper questionnaire.

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In addition, around 13,000 sent a letter or an email while over 500 local government and industry groups also responded.

A final decision on the preferred route is expected to be made by the government later this year.

Highways England consultation manager Martin Potts said: "This is a fantastic level of engagement, and I am grateful to everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation. We set out to reach as many people as possible, to let them know about our plans and to seek their views, and public’s response has exceeded our expectations.

"The route for a new Lower Thames Crossing is a massive decision and it is vital that we get it right. I am very encouraged at the significant number of responses that we have received, as they will really help us to make the best possible recommendation to government about the route that this vital new road link should take.

Subject to the necessary funding and planning approvals, the new crossing would be open in 2025, if publicly funded. If private funding is also used to meet the projects costs, it is anticipated the crossing would be open by 2027.

(LM/MH)