Road Access
Comments received in the previous consultation about road access predominantly revolved around ensuring resort traffic remained separate from local traffic as early as possible on the A2 and entirely from local roads such as London Road (A226), as well as comments about traffic impacts on the local and wider road network.
New road
We have refined our plans for a new access road and improvement works to the A2, with a revised junction layout, to keep local and London Resort traffic separate. The new access road will provide the sole means of visitor access by car. The road will be up to four lanes in width and approximately 2.3 km in length. It will provide direct access to the proposed London Resort parking facilities to remove the possibility of queuing back to the A2.
The road will run parallel to the existing HS1 railway to minimise air quality and noise effects, and to minimise impacts on archaeology and ecology. The road will predominantly be in cutting, shielding vehicles from view, will be landscaped and where necessary, noise barriers will be installed.
Revised junction
The road will branch traffic off the A2 towards the London Resort access road via an improved Ebbsfleet junction. An initial proposal, as shown in the image here, would see the two existing roundabouts at the junction enlarged and controlled by traffic signals. There would be two link roads between them, significantly increasing capacity over the existing layout.
Our revised layout takes into account the recent approval for the Highways England A2 Bean and Ebbsfleet junction improvement works. Our modelling work will consider whether further improvements at this junction are required and if appropriate, we will look to utilise and upgrade where necessary.
This new access road and revised junction layout will reduce impacts on local communities and accommodate future traffic flows associated with Ebbsfleet Garden City. It will also ensure existing roads would continue to provide access to Swanscombe and Northfleet, unimpeded by visitor traffic to the London Resort.
Wider road network
Since 2015, there has been progress on a number of planned/committed improvement works on the wider road network in the area, with some now completed.
We will be working closely with Highways England to ensure that construction of the London Resort access road does not impact on the A2. We are in discussions with them about providing forecast model data from their traffic models for the A2 Bean and Ebbsfleet improvements project and the Lower Thames Crossing, to be used for the London Resort assessment.
Parking
There will be provision for 10,000 car parking spaces for visitors and hotel guests, across four multi-storey car parks of up to ten decks. There will be additional space for staff parking, coach parking spaces, motor cycle and secure cycle spaces for visitors. Additionally, a rest and welfare facility will be provided for coach drivers.
Public transport, pedestrians and cyclists
The majority of previous respondents supported our intention to encourage sustainable travel choices, such as by river, foot, bicycle and public transport, with some suggesting that more could be done to utilise the river. We have significantly developed this area of our transport strategy, to maximise opportunities for the use of river, public transport, and for pedestrians and cyclists, in order to reduce traffic on local roads and the wider road network.
These proposals include:
- New transport interchanges and supporting infrastructure within the London Resort and at Ebbsfleet International station to support travel by river, rail, bus, coach and taxis
- New Park and Glide facility within the Port of Tilbury, with parking facilities, to provide access to the London Resort from north of the river – reducing traffic impacts on the Dartford Crossing and the A2
- Floating jetty and ferry terminal on the Peninsula, enabling use of the river both for construction, and for visitors and staff during operation – reducing traffic impacts on local roads and the wider road network
- A new Thames Clipper service from central London, providing a ferry service to the London Resort
- A dedicated people mover route running between Ebbsfleet International station to the London Resort and the new ferry terminal on the Peninsula
- Incorporation of the Fastrack bus service to provide access to the London Resort
- Improved local walkways and cycle paths
- Provisions for access for people with disabilities
Public transport
Ebbsfleet International Station will provide the gateway to the London Resort for the majority of visitors arriving by rail. The station will also provide an interchange for bus routes serving the wider local community. A new transport interchange will be developed to the west of Ebbsfleet International Station which will include a ‘pick up and drop off’ area for the London Resort people mover, bus stops for Fastrack, and a cycle hire facility. Existing public transport services are being reviewed to understand how they could serve the London Resort and encourage non-car based modes of travel.
River
Throughout previous stages of consultation, the Project’s proposed use of the River Thames was welcomed, with specific comments encouraging more to be done to maximise its use. The river now forms a more significant element of our transport strategy. It is forecast that up to 15% of visitors could arrive using the river. This will reduce impacts on the road network around the Peninsula and the Dartford Crossing. A new floating pontoon jetty and ferry terminal is proposed between Bell’s Wharf and Ingress Park on the Peninsula, and a new terminal will be developed at Tilbury, with passenger access via the floating jetty.
Walking and cycling
Public access to the Peninsula is currently limited to a small number of public footpaths. We are planning to provide a network of pedestrian and cycle routes on the Swanscombe Peninsula and will connect to the adjacent residential areas of Greenhithe, Swanscombe and Northfleet. This will improve connectivity within existing neighbourhoods and create linkages with the network of green spaces, including walkways within the marsh habitats and a riverside route aimed at reconnecting local residents with the river. Our proposals include connections to local pedestrian routes to encourage local visits, including the comprehensive enhancement of Pilgrims’ Way from Swanscombe.