Lower Thames Crossing Update

The Lower Thames Crossing is currently undertaking a series of ground investigations and surveys at locations throughout North Kent and Essex to help us to improve our proposals and to develop our application for the Development Consent Order.

The next phase of these investigations involving Archaeological Trial Trenching, which will begin in the next few weeks, starting in Thurrock.
 
What are you doing?

• We are digging shallow trenches to assess the archaeological features of a site.
• Before we dig the trenches, we will undertake non-intrusive electromagnetic surveys to detect any sub-surface anomalies such as utilities, waste and unexploded ordnance. This is a standard health and safety requirement.

 
What is involved?

• Mechanical excavators will be used to dig shallow trenches approximately 30 metres long and 2 metres wide.
• Before digging the trenches, a magnetometer (detector) attached to an all-terrain utility vehicle will be used to scan the area. 
• We will be excavating the soil to look for archaeological features and we will replace the soil once the excavations are completed.
• Noise level will be comparable to that of farm machinery, such as a tractor.

 
Where will the investigations take place?

• The locations for the trial trenches will mainly be on private farm land on or near the proposed route.
• The work may be visible from nearby roads and properties.

 
When will the work take place?

• The first phase of these surveys will start in November 2019 and continue until March 2020.
• Most of the work will take place Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm with the possibility of some weekends.

 
You can find further details on where and when these surveys will be taking place on our website, including answers to some frequently asked questions.