ALMOST £40million has been secured by Medway Council from the government to improve transport in Medway over the next three years.

The cash will be spent on improvements to public transport, improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and more school travel plans.

The projects will put into practice one of the council’s main priorities for people to be able to travel easily and safely in Medway, as well as provide for the expected growth in population and jobs in the area.

The funding includes £23.5m through the recently announced Thames Gateway Delivery Plan.

This sum is part of an overall £50.4m funding package for regeneration schemes in Medway.

A further £16m has been secured through the council’s Local Transport Plan. Of this, £13m will be used to enhance public transport through Medway to improve the quality, accessibility and reliability of services.

A further £9.5m will be spent on integrated transport measures, such as improved road safety, traffic management and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as travel plans for schools and the workplace.

Improvements to the A228 between Ropers Lane and Grain will receive £9m. These will include working with developers on a major junction improvement at Fenn Corner and two bridges over the existing freight rail line.

Some £6.5m will be invested in road and bridge maintenance; and £1.5m will fund improvements at Gillingham railway station, including working with Network Rail and Southeastern to provide better pedestrian access both in the station and on the surrounding streets.

The council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services, Cllr Phil Filmer, said: “With the increased population and jobs in the area, it is vital that people can travel easily around Medway.

"Medway is not only making great strides in regeneration projects such as Rochester Riverside, but we are also undertaking major transport projects to support the regeneration of the area.”