Thursday 19 May 2022 03:52 PM Pictured: planned new £800m 'sustainable' tram network a mile-long tunnel ... trends now

Thursday 19 May 2022 03:52 PM Pictured: planned new £800m 'sustainable' tram network a mile-long tunnel ... trends now
Thursday 19 May 2022 03:52 PM Pictured: planned new £800m 'sustainable' tram network a mile-long tunnel ... trends now

Thursday 19 May 2022 03:52 PM Pictured: planned new £800m 'sustainable' tram network a mile-long tunnel ... trends now

Plans have been unveiled for a new £800million 'sustainable' tram network connecting Kent to Essex - which avoids the congested Dartford Crossing with a mile-long tunnel under the Thames.

The KenEx project, led by Thames Gateway Tramlink, proposes a new electronically-powered tram network linking the two counties by 2030.

The tram network is estimated to wipe out 10 per cent of traffic off roads in the area, while it would cost just a fraction of proposals for the multi-billion pound Lower Thames Crossing.

Trams would run initially run between Purfleet-on-Thames and Grays in Essex to Ebbsfleet and Gravesend in Kent, with the majority of the track above ground.

But at the heart of the project is an immersive tunnel that would be built into the Thames riverbed using pre-cast sections.

The project, which is said to have the backing of local council leaders, aims to create a 'sustainable public transport infrastructure' and an 'integrated and enhanced local economy never enjoyed before by communities either side of the Thames'.

Pictures released this week show how the new tram would operate, as well as a map and diagrams of how the tunnel would be built under the river.

An example of the type of tram that could be used by passengers travelling under the Thames if the KenteEx project is given the green light

An example of the type of tram that could be used by passengers travelling under the Thames if the KenteEx project is given the green light 

The tunnel would be constructed by utilising 'existing cutting edge light rail technology' to construct the tunnel, drawing upon 'proven immersed tunnel technology'

The tunnel would be constructed by utilising 'existing cutting edge light rail technology' to construct the tunnel, drawing upon 'proven immersed tunnel technology'

The popular Bluewater shopping centre is also among the sites that have been earmarked, as well as Darent Hospital and Ebbsfleet Garden City.  

In Essex, meanwhile, the majority of potential stations are to the east of Grays - including with Tilbury, Chadwell St Mary and Southfields.

Stanford Le Hope,  DP World London Gateway, Thames Enterprise Park, Canvey Island, Corringham, Basildon Hospital and Basildon are all 'under evaluation' to see if they will form part of the network. 

The plans include utilising 'existing cutting edge light rail technology' to construct the tunnel, drawing upon 'proven immersed tunnel technology'.

Visits have already been undertaken to establish its feasibility, but 'actual construction designs and site details are not due for some time yet'.

A statement

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