Lower Thames Crossing Design Refinement Consultation - Design Refinements - North of the river in Thurrock and Essex

Landscaping

At the northern tunnel entrance we propose creating a new landform with footpaths leading up to elevated viewpoints looking out to the south, east and west, from where Coalhouse and Tilbury forts would be visible. The landform design would be created using excavated material from the tunnel and the surrounding area would be restored for grazing agricultural use, in keeping with the existing land use.

Northern tunnel entrance layout

In this area, following landowner and environmental stakeholder feedback, the maintenance access tracks would be moved closer to the LTC to allow for a shorter culvert length (approximately 60 metres instead of 80 metres). A shorter culvert would minimise the impact on the local ecology and allow wildlife, such as water voles, fish and eels, to navigate through the culvert more easily.

Realignment of footpath 61

The proposed realignment of footpath 61 presented at supplementary consultation would be slightly amended to use more of the existing footpath and to follow the existing field boundary. The refinement reduces the amount of land that would be required permanently in this area. See the ‘Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders’ diagram.

Did you know?
A culvert is a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under a road or railway.

Realignment of footpath 200

Footpath 200 would be diverted around the edge of the field rather than pass through it, as was proposed at supplementary consultation, and would connect with the existing footpath at either end.

This proposal is closer to the original alignment. See the ‘Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders’ diagram.

Muckingford Road realigned and widened to accommodate the new shared path route

At supplementary consultation, two options were shown for a path for walkers and cyclists adjacent to Muckingford Road. The first option was longer and ran behind the houses while the second option was a more direct route along Muckingford Road, in front of the houses.

Since then, option two has been taken forward, which would allow for better connectivity between Chadwell St. Mary and East Tilbury. As a result, Muckingford Road would be realigned and widened to accommodate the new shared path route along the south side.

Maintenance access tracks

In this section of the route, we have proposed maintenance tracks to provide access to culverts, ponds and technology assets. These tracks are not for public use or ‘rat-running’ and would be secured with an access control system. They would only be used for the purposes of operating and maintaining the LTC and associated infrastructure. This would include maintenance access to infrastructure owned by the utility companies. There is one maintenance track that is shared with part of a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Tilbury watercourse

Following further site investigations, the existing watercourse, which has currently dried out at Tilbury, south of the railway and north of Station Road, would be re-established to maintain water flow.

Flood mitigation

There would be a minor increase in the size of the compensatory flood storage area south of the railway at Tilbury to align with existing field boundaries.

The following utility refinements are also proposed for this section of the route:

New water supply from the Linford borehole and a local water main

The TBM would need a water supply to assist with the excavation process. A water supply would also be required for the construction site in this area. To connect the water supplies to the TBM and construction site, some land outside the development boundary shown at supplementary consultation would be required.

The proposed routes for these new temporary water supplies are:

• from the Linford borehole site on Lower Crescent, across Muckingford Road and Station Road to the construction area
• from a water main located near the junction of Fort Road and Gun Hill, and running along Coopers Shaw Road and beneath the local railway to the construction area

Potential upgrade of the existing water network

 In addition to supplying water from the Linford borehole and local water main near Fort Road and Gun Hill, water may also need to be sourced from a main located at the southern section of the water main near Fort Road. This is to ensure there is enough water for the TBM, construction site and other critical activities.

These works would involve upgrading this water main and works along Dock Road and Hume Avenue.

Part of these works would fall outside of the development boundary shown at supplementary consultation.

Multi-utilities provision to the construction site and northern tunnel entrance

To supply temporary utilities to the construction site and permanent supply to the northern tunnel entrance, some works would be required that fall approximately 1.5km outside of the development boundary shown at supplementary consultation. These works would largely occur alongside the Tilbury Loop railway to the west of the LTC. Small permanent electricity substations We currently propose two small substations (approximately three metres by three metres in size within a total area of five metres by four metres, and maintenance access tracks as required) in the following locations:

• along Muckingford Road in the vicinity of Ashlea Farm
• to the north of the Tilbury Loop railway and south-west of Cole Road

Have your say
To comment on the changes to the route around the Tilbury area, answer questions 1c and 1d in the response form.

Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders

East Tilbury

Tilbury Power Station

Landscaping

As part of our woodland planting proposals at the A13/A1089 junction, we have identified two separate woodland areas off Baker Street that we would look to make accessible to the public.

Watercourse diversion at Chadwell St. Mary

We are proposing a minor change to the alignment of the watercourse diversion, before the A13 junction, to align with suggested landscape refinements in this area.

Did you know?
A watercourse is the channel that a flowing body of water follows, for example a river, ditch, drain or dyke.

Removal of a false cutting

A false cutting between the A128 Brentwood Road and Hoford Road would be removed from the proposals. This is because it was proposed to be in the same location as a watercourse (see above), which also required realigning to avoid the LTC.

 Removing this false cutting would mean losing visual and noise screening, so fencing and additional planting are proposed to help conceal the LTC. In addition, to strengthen an existing hedgerow to the north of the road (east of the golf course), additional planting to help further visually screen the new section of road is planned. Noise reduction measures, such as noise barriers, may be required. Assessments are ongoing and further mitigation measures may be provided if necessary and will form part of our application for development consent.

Changes to two A13 merge layouts

Following further detailed analysis of the traffic modelling presented during supplementary consultation, we propose changes to two A13 merges:

• where the A13 westbound/A1089 northbound slip road joins the LTC northbound. Our modelling forecasts that more heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) would join the LTC northbound from the A1089, so a different merge layout would be required
• where the slip road from the Orsett Cock roundabout joins the existing A13 westbound, there is a slight increase in forecast traffic flows meaning a different merge layout would be needed

Did you know?
A false cutting is a means of screening a road by creating embankments on one or both sides of the road to reduce noise and/or visual impacts associated with vehicles passing.

Amendments to shared paths in the A13/A1089 area

At supplementary consultation we were exploring the feasibility of a new footpath connection under the A13. Following further investigations, this has not been progressed due to its close proximity to the A13 and slip roads connecting to the LTC northbound. As a result, the open space to the north of the A13 that was proposed at supplementary consultation is also no longer proposed because it would not be accessible by walkers, cyclists or horse riders.

Also in this area, the shared path proposed at supplementary consultation for walkers, cyclists and horse riders between Green Lane and Stifford Clays Road would be amended so it’s slightly closer to the LTC to avoid impacting farmland.

See the ‘Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders’ diagram.

Traveller site relocation

During supplementary consultation, we presented two potential areas for the relocation of the traveller site at the A13/A1089 junction. One was adjacent to its current location with access off Long Lane, the other was further to the west along Long Lane opposite the junction with Kerry Road.

Following further design work and feedback from our supplementary consultation, we are now proposing a new site adjacent to its current location, with access off Gammonfields Way. The relocated traveller site would remain approximately 1.5 hectares in area (the same as at present), with an additional 1.5 hectares set aside for appropriate access and landscaping.

We will continue to engage with our stakeholders to refine this proposal.

Emergency access

At supplementary consultation, emergency access off Brentwood Road on to the LTC was added. We have now refined this and propose emergency access from the LTC on to Brentwood Road. This access will not be open to the public.

Maintenance access tracks

In this section of the route, we have proposed maintenance tracks to provide access to a culvert, pylon, field, pond and technology assets at various locations. These tracks are not for public use or ‘rat-running’ and would be secured with an access control system. They would only be used for the purposes of operating and maintaining the LTC and associated infrastructure. This would also include maintenance access to infrastructure owned by the utility companies. There is one maintenance track that is shared with part of a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The following utility refinements are also proposed for this section of the route:

Multi-utility diversion extension

We now propose extending the works along the B188 High Road, towards Orsett, so that we can ensure communications supply is maintained for the local area.

These works would also impact some land slightly outside of the development boundary shown at supplementary consultation.

Moving overhead electricity distribution cables underground

At the corner of Hornsby Lane and Foxes Green, we would move some of the cables underground to cater for the proposed LTC route. These works would also impact on some additional land outside the development boundary presented at supplementary consultation.

Permanent gas pipeline compound at Stanford Road

A permanent compound east of Orsett Cock roundabout, along Stanford Road, is planned for the operation and maintenance of a proposed gas pipeline in this area. The facility, including equipment, would be located within an area approximately 35 metres by 35 metres and would include fencing for security reasons.

Access for future maintenance would also be required off Stanford Road. Some land outside of the development boundary shown at supplementary consultation would also be required for these works.

Additional land for overhead electricity distribution cable diversion works

Some additional land to that shown at supplementary consultation would be required for overhead electricity distribution cable diversion works north of Heath Place.

Additional working area for multi-utility construction

Some additional land, from what was shown at supplementary consultation, would be required off Mill Lane. This is for multiutility works in this area, which includes permanent access that may be required by the utility provider for future maintenance.

Small permanent electricity substations

We currently propose seven small substations (approximately three metres by three metres in size within a total area of five metres by four metres and maintenance access tracks as required) in the following locations:

• In the vicinity of Brook Farm off Brentwood Road and High House Lane
• along Hornsby Lane in the vicinity of Heath Place
• along Hornsby lane, up to 250 metres north-east of Gower Lane
• in the vicinity of Hornsby Lane and Foxes Green
• along Heath Road in the vicinity of Stanford Road (A1013)
• along Baker Street in the vicinity of Woolings Close
• in the vicinity of Stanford Road and Rectory Road

Have your say
To comment on the changes to the route around the A13/A1089 junction, answer questions 1e and 1f in the response form.

A13/A1089 area proposals

Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders

A13/A1089 junction

A13/Orsett Cock roundabout and A1013 Stanford Road

Landscaping

North of the Thames Chase Forest Centre, we are proposing a new maintenance access track and a multi-utilities diversion. We have located these within the same area to limit the reduction in woodland compensation that is required to accommodate these changes.

We are also diverting a watercourse within an area called The Wilderness. To accommodate this we are proposing a reduction in woodland planting in this area.

Modifications at Ockendon landfill (south of the LTC)

As a result of ongoing design development and to avoid encroachment into the Ockendon landfill site, we would divert a local watercourse, remove earthworks and introduce a retaining wall, which is approximately six metres high by 200 metres long.

Relocation of construction site 13

Construction site 13 would be moved approximately 200 metres west of the location proposed at supplementary consultation to avoid a cemetery in this area.

Relocation of footpath 136

Footpath 136 over the LTC would be moved approximately 40 metres west to avoid a gas pipeline compound located on the north side of the LTC. As a result, the existing vegetation in this area can now largely be retained.

See the ‘Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders’ diagram.

Realignment of footpath 252

Footpath 252 would be realigned on the western side near Dennis Road to provide access to a farm.

Maintenance access tracks

In this section of the route, we have proposed maintenance tracks to provide access to ponds, culverts, pylons and technology assets at various locations. These tracks are not for public use or ‘rat-running’ and would be secured with an access control system. They would only be used for the purposes of operating and maintaining the LTC and associated infrastructure. This would include maintenance access to infrastructure owned by the utility companies. There is one maintenance track that would be shared with part of a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Flood mitigation

Following further investigations at Orsett Fen near the Orsett Fen Sewer and Golden Bridge Sewer, we propose reducing compensatory flood storage areas:

• to the west of the proposed LTC to align with existing land boundaries
• to the east of the proposed LTC to avoid a nearby property boundary

The following utility refinements are also proposed for this section of the route:

Proposed reconfiguration of land required for multi-utility works

The land required for utility works has changed slightly since supplementary consultation. This caters for the proposed LTC route and the construction of the viaduct in this area.

B186 North Road multi-utility diversion works

Some above and below-ground multi-utilities within the vicinity of the B186 North Road would need to be diverted to facilitate the proposed LTC route. Some of the overhead electricity distribution cables in this area may also need to be placed underground to avoid the proposed LTC route.

The area required for these works has increased slightly since supplementary consultation.

Ockendon Road sewer diversion works

A sewer diversion may be required from Ockendon Road to St. Mary’s Lane via the B186. This is due to the proximity of the existing sewer pipes to the proposed LTC route and the proposed Ockendon Road bridge construction works in this area.

If the sewer diversion works are required, some additional land from what was shown at supplementary consultation would be required.

Works in the Mardyke area for National Grid maintenance access

National Grid would require access from Green Lane for the maintenance of its overhead electricity transmission cables on a permanent basis. This access would be required during the diversion works for the lines and afterwards for the operation of the network.

These works would require the use of some land outside of the development boundary shown at supplementary consultation. By increasing the land for the works required in this location, we have more space and can avoid impacting vegetation.

Small permanent electricity substations

We currently propose one small substation (approximately three metres by three metres in size within a total area of five metres by four metres, and maintenance access tracks as required) off Clay Tye Road in the vicinity of the access to Clay Tye Farm.

Have your say
To comment on the changes to the route around the LTC and its junction with the M25, answer questions 1g and 1h in the response form.

LTC/M25 area proposals

Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders

North Road

Existing M25 and Ockendon Road

Amendments to walking, cycling and horse riding routes

At supplementary consultation, we showed an existing path next to the south side of the A127 that was impacted due to the addition of segregated left-turn lanes. These lanes meant the existing crossing points to the south of the junction would no longer be feasible. We have been exploring solutions to maintain connectivity in this area and now propose a new footbridge over the A127, which would link to existing routes.

A new route and signalised crossings are proposed at the northern side of the junction to improve pedestrian connectivity.

The existing bridleway adjacent to the A127 and M25 junction would be re-aligned to prevent it clashing with the proposed slip road. The bridleway south of the M25 junction 29 would be amended to accommodate shared use of the route with utility company maintenance vehicles.

See the ‘Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders’ diagram.

Maintenance access tracks

In this section of the route, we have proposed a maintenance track to provide access to a pylon and ponds. These tracks are not for public use or ‘rat-running’ and would be secured with an access control system. They would only be used for the purposes of operating and maintaining the LTC and associated infrastructure. This would include maintenance access to infrastructure owned by the utility companies. There is one maintenance track that is shared with part of a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The following utility refinements are also proposed for this section of the route:

Additional land required for underground electricity distribution cable works

Further to the proposals shown at supplementary consultation, some additional land would be required to carry out underground electricity distribution cable diversion works near Franks Farm. However, the positioning of the underground multi-utility alignment, as shown at supplementary consultation, is unchanged.

Overhead electricity distribution cables repositioned underground

Some of the overhead electricity distribution cables near the B186 Warley Street would need repositioning underground to accommodate the proposed LTC route. Some additional land to that shown at supplementary consultation would also be required to carry out these works.

Additional land required for gas diversion works

Near Folkes Lane, a small amount of additional land to that shown at supplementary consultation would be required for gas diversion works. This would ensure the gas pipeline is a sufficient distance from our main works. However, the positioning of the underground multi-utility alignment, as shown at supplementary consultation, is unchanged.

Additional land for maintenance of the overhead electricity transmission cables

Some additional land to that shown at supplementary consultation would be required, south-west of the M25 junction 29. This is so that permanent access can be provided for the future maintenance of overhead electricity transmission cables in this location. Additional land for multi-utility works Off the B186 near junction 29 of the M25, some additional land to that shown at supplementary consultation would be required for the multi-utility works proposed in this location.

Have your say
To comment on the changes to the route around the M25 junction 29, answer questions 1i and 1j in the response form.

Routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders