A ROAD and rail tunnel connecting Essex and Kent is back on the Government’s agenda.

The Chancellor, George Osborne, revealed part of a £5billion infrastructure cash pot would be ploughed into creating a new lower Thames crossing, although it is not yet clear where it might be built.

Three years ago, plans to build a £4billion tunnel between Canvey and Kent were proposed by ambitious development firm Metrotidal.

Alternative proposals include links between Gravesend and either Tilbury or Orsett, or even a new tunnel or bridge next to the existing Dartford Toll crossing.

Mr Osborne also announced funding for the new London Gateway port at Shellhaven, due to open in 2013.

However, Stephen Joseph from the Campaign for Better Transport, said a huge increase in road developments was not the way forward.

He said: “The Government has gone for some big, dirty road projects, which will add to dependence on imported oil supplies and simply move traffic jams a few miles.

“What’s really needed is a tackling of the backlog on local road maintenance and smaller transport projects that make best use of what we have, but the Government has cut funding in those areas.”