Heathrow will tunnel a 14 lane stretch of the M25 motorway under a new third runway and increase compensation for homeowners if its extension plans get the go-ahead, a spokesman for the airport has announced.

Heathrow unveiled a revised GBP 15.6bn (USD 26.2bn) plan on the deadline for submission to the government’s Airports Commission, which will choose between Heathrow or Gatwick for an extra runway in south-east England.

Under the Heathrow plan, a 600m, 14-lane tunnel would be built to replace an existing section of the M25, passing under the runway.
Government support for surface access improvements would be required and estimated at GBP 1.2bn (USD 2bn).

Heathrow will set up a GBP 550M (USD 926M) compensation fund for compulsory purchase and improved noise insulation packages, an improvement in terms of compensation to similar infrastructure projects, including a 25 per cent premium on unblighted house prices.

It has also promised green space and flood protection.