A2(M) Dover Radial Route, 1961-1973

The Dover Radial Route (DRR) was originally proposed by the London County Council (LCC), and continued as a project by the Greater London Council (GLC) from its formation until the latter’s motorway plans were all cancelled in February 1973.

The scheme was essentially a bypass for the urban A2, continuing the offline bypass of the A2’s traditional route from Falconwood in to New Cross. From New Cross to Central London the A2 would continue to follow its existing route, and any further improvement plans are unclear.

After the cancellation of the A2(M) project, several proposals were made to improve the A2, culminating in the construction of the Rochester Way Relief Road, running from Falconwood to the Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach at Sun-in-the-Sands Roundabout. That road opened in 1986. It is, interestingly, the exact length of road that was published in 1968 as the first phase of the A2(M) project.

Extent of route and connection to other A2 plans

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London County Council project

Details
Dover Radial Route, 1961

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GLC motorway proposals

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1968 DRR scheme

Details
Dover Radial Route, 1967

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Cancellation

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References