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Consultation opens for £38.6million improvements to Sittingbourne junctions

More details have been released on multi-million pound changes to two road junctions in Sittingbourne, to pave the way for 8,000 homes.

Kent County Council is asking people for their views on potential £38.6mllion changes to the Key Street and Grovehurst Road junctions, which would remove roundabouts.

Aerial photo of Grovehurst Roundabout, Kemsley, near Sittingbourne. Picture: Swale council (43410858)
Aerial photo of Grovehurst Roundabout, Kemsley, near Sittingbourne. Picture: Swale council (43410858)

If approved, the changes at Key Street would close the existing A249 southbound slip road from the street’s roundabout and create a new slip road from Chestnut Street, as well as widen some of the approaches to the roundabout.

The plans propose to improve road markings and signs, install parking on Bobbing Hill and in Chestnut Street, plus introduce pedestrian and cycle crossings on Keycol Hill, Sheppey Way, Key Street and Chestnut Street.

The Key Street works will cost £5.8million, funded through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) and contributions from developers.

KCC is proposing to remove the existing two roundabouts at either end of Grovehurst Road and the A249 junctions and upgrade them to a single raised gyratory, where traffic would use a bridge system over the A249.

Other features would include an additional bridge north east of the existing A249 crossing, installing traffic lights on the gyratory, altering the roundabout approach and exit from Grovehurst Road and Swale Road.

A graphic image showing what the Grovehurst roundabout on the A249 could look like if goverment funding is approved. (43410865)
A graphic image showing what the Grovehurst roundabout on the A249 could look like if goverment funding is approved. (43410865)

The A249 slip roads facing the Isle of Sheppey at the junction would also be completely reconstructed.

The Grovehurst road works will also be funded through HIF and cost an estimated £32.8million.

KCC’s highways and transport chief Michael Payne said: “Both junction improvements are needed to provide the capacity to handle future growth and so communities and businesses can access the A2 and M2 without the significant congestion.”

Last year a bid for the ‘Swale Transport Infrastructure’ was accepted by the Government, meaning 7,899 homes can be built. For more on the consultation see kent.gov.uk/a249swalejunctionimprovements.

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