Plans for a new multibillion-pound road link across the River Thames between Essex and Kent have been released.
Highways England announced its proposals for a tunnel under the river to relieve congestion at the Dartford Crossing.
If it goes ahead it would be the first new crossing of the Thames east of London since the Queen Elizabeth II bridge opened at Dartford 25 years ago. It would cross the river to the east of the Dartford Crossing.
Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: "The Government is committed to delivering a Lower Thames Crossing which will increase capacity and provide better, faster journeys across the Thames.
"Once complete it could add over £7 billion to the economy by increasing investment and business opportunities, and create over 5,000 new jobs nationally."
Highways England senior project manager, Martin Potts, said the organisation has worked hard to strike a balance between improving journeys, getting value for money and managing the environmental impact.
"By choosing a tunnel rather than a bridge we can minimise the effects of the new road on the environment," he said.
"There are important choices to be made. As well as inviting comments from the public about our recommendations, we have identified three routes for the new road to the north of the river and two routes south of the river. We welcome views on them all."
A consultation on the scheme is running until March 24.
