Works to provide a Fastrack bus lane through a town centre are now complete after 18 months of construction.

The new 250-metre route, in Bath Street, Gravesend, is part of a Kent County Council (KCC) programme aimed at providing frequent, reliable, and high-quality public transport services across Gravesham, Dartford and Ebbsfleet.

The scheme, funded by a £5.52million grant from Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), the lanning armed tasked with delivering the garden city, has widened the road to create the bus lane between the taxi lane to connect West Street and the bus hub in Garrick Street via New Road.

Two bus gates – stretches of road with restricted access for vehicles - have been installed which only authorise buses and taxis to use it.

KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Neil Baker, said: “I am pleased that construction is now complete on the Bath Street Fastrack bus lane.

“Fastrack services are among the busiest in the county, so it is essential that we provide reliable services with fast journey times.

“This is a big step towards a fully integrated sustainable Fastrack network, making public transport a real alternative to cars for many people around the town.”

A spokesperson for EDC added: “The Fastrack bus service is a vital piece of the infrastructure connecting the new communities in Ebbsfleet to Gravesham town centre, and this initiative represents our commitment to improving local infrastructure and enhancing access to public transport.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on residents, commuters and the local community.”

Construction on the Bath Street scheme started in March 2023 and included improvements to the toucan crossings, near the junction with Clifton Road, to provide better access for pedestrians and cyclists.

A new taxi call forward system has also been installed to ensure the junction remains clear of any stationary vehicles and does not prevent the buses from being able to access the bus hub.

There is now a 24/7 live feed of the New Road taxi rank on a monitoring screen which shows taxis stationed along Bath Street whether there is space to safely move around.

Taxi drivers can also exit the queuing system by pulling into the new lane before turning into New Road which was not possible before.

It is hoped the wider £5 million Fastrack scheme will improve journey times and add bus stops for new developments making Gravesham more accessible.

Across Gravesham, Dartford and Ebbsfleet, there are 28 individual projects as part of the overall bus programme.