THE Government has vowed to push on with plans for a new Thames crossing and improvements to junction 30 of the M25.

The pledges were part of a £28billion investment on road infrastructure announced in Wednesday’s Government spending review.

Junction 30, at Thurrock, is set for an overhaul, funded by superport providers DP World, which will see slip roads widened, carriageways resurfaced and extra space created to allow traffic to merge more safely with the A282.

The new Thames Crossing would be built to deal with an expected rise in traffic and to ease congestion at Dartford.

David Miles, chairman of the Essex Federation of Small Businesses, welcomed the investment.

He said: “There is an urgency to get these projects off the ground so businesses see action and not just rhetoric on delivery.

“Two thirds of FSB members say the state of the roads has a negative impact on their business, with 61 per cent saying the same about congestion.

“Making roads fit for purpose and able to cope with traffic levels will help all businesses.”

The Government is consulting with residents, councils and businesses on the future of a new Thames Crossing.

There are four options being considered and people have until July 16 to submit their comments.