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Transport minister Paul
Clark explains the scheme

by Orla Quaid

More than £122m is to be spent on easing
congestion across Kent.

Transport Minister Paul Clark visited
Sittingbourne today to announce two vital schemes.

The £87m for the East Kent Access scheme means
better road connections between the Isle of Thanet, Kent
International Airport, the M2, Canterbury and the European Gateways
of Ramsgate, Dover and the Channel Tunnel.

£35m is also being spent on the
completion of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road.

Congestion should be greatly improved by the
changes and it’s also predicted the economy will be boosted through
the regeneration of these areas, attracting more investment to the
county.

Mr Clark said there were benefits for
people living and working in Kent: “Both schemes will reduce
congestion, improve journey times, improve safety for road users
and pedestrians, help boost the economy and allow for improved
public transport.”

The East Kent Access improvements will see almost five miles of
the A256 and A299 upgraded to dual carriageway.

The 1.5km Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road will link the
Ridham Avenue roundabout with Castle Road roundabout and cross
Milton Creek.

It will improve access in and around Sittingbourne, reduce
congestion, improve safety for road users and attract investment to
the town.

Main construction works for East Kent Access
are due to start in October this year, with the scheme expected to
be completed in late 2012.

Work on the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road
begins as early as next week and should be finished by 2011.