The Department for Transport (DfT) is assessing ambitious plans for a tram network connecting Kent and Essex.
The £800M KenEx proposal also includes an immersed tube tunnel under the River Thames.
Backers of the plans claim that building the tram link would help alleviate congestion on the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) bridge at Dartford, bring economic growth to areas either side of the Thames and reduce carbon emissions associated with car journeys.
The plans have been in the works since 2019 but a worked up business case has now been presented to the DfT by Thames Gateway Tramlink, as part of the government’s Restoring Your Railway programme.
The business case is supported by a feasibility study conducted by Cowi. The DfT is expected to reach a decision on the plans later this year.
Thames Gateway Tramlink has identified two core routes, covering a distance of around 30km. Key to the proposal is a 1.2km immersed tunnel which runs parallel to the Dartford Crossing.
The Essex half of the network would connect Canvey Island, Basildon and Purfleet-on-Thames, as well as linking with Tilbury where the government intends to build a freeport.
The southern half of the network would link to Gravesend and the Bluewater shopping centre. It would also link with Ebbsfleet, where thousands of new homes are currently being delivered in close proximity to the High Speed 1 station.
