AMBITIOUS proposals could see another Lower Thames Crossing built – from Basildon to Kent.

The plans were revealed within the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission’s report laying out the group’s vision for Essex, Kent and London.

A Lower Thames Crossing will be built between Thurrock and Kent, but the report indicates that a second Lower Thames Crossing, named Thames East Line, could be built alongside a new Thames barrier.

The new crossing, between Basildon and Medway, in Kent, would be multi-purpose for both cars and trains.

The crossing would be paired with a new Thames barrier, which the government has been considering, due to concerns over rising water levels.

Basildon Council leader, Andrew Baggott, admitted the report was the first time he heard about the plans.

He said: “It has the possibility to bring huge economic benefits, and as we all know that is one of the main reasons for the new Lower Thames Crossing in Thurrock.

“We are broadly supportive of the Lower Thames Crossing. I know a lot of the councillors in Thurrock are concerned, but that is because it is on their doorsteps.

“There is no doubt it will bring a lot of benefits to the economy.

“Those benefits are unlikely to stretch as far as Basildon, but with this plan the devil is in the detail, and all they are saying is that it is something that could be delivered.

“We would need to hear a lot more information before we could make any judgement.

“If they bring something like this in, then we would need major improvements to the A127 at the very least, or people will use the crossing to fly across from Kent, and then sit in standstill traffic when they reach Basildon.”

The commission says the Thames Estuary could generate an additional £190 billion for the region’s economy.

The proposal was defined as having a “long term delivery” time, but could be delivered by 2050.

The report said that this would improve north-south connectivity, increase access to England’s high speed railway network and enhance links with other high productivity corridors around London.

The report reads: “Government should consider a multi-modal crossing as part of its planning for the next Thames Barrier.

“This includes the financing models, which could be used to deliver the project by 2050.”