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A249 closure as second new bridge installed as part of Grovehurst Road Improvement Scheme near Sittingbourne

The A249 will be shut in both directions as work on a multi-million-pound improvement project continues.

A new bridge is being installed as part of the Grovehurst Roundabout revamp between Iwade and Kemsley near Sittingbourne.

Work under way on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November last year. Picture: Phil Drew
Work under way on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November last year. Picture: Phil Drew

This will create a second bridge for the new-look layout which is a dumbbell design and includes a one-way gyratory system.

It is being built on the Sheppey side of the roundabout and includes a path for pedestrians and cyclists linking through to Iwade.

The Kent County Council-led project is expected to cost £32.7 million and is being delivered by Jackson Civil Engineering.

This is part of a wider scheme to improve and future-proof the road network in the Sittingbourne area to cope with an influx of housing.

However, a dormice nest has prevented work from starting at Key Street, which is also being revamped, while Grovehurst junction is also behind schedule.

Work at the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne. Picture: Phil Drew
Work at the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne. Picture: Phil Drew

To allow for the bridge to be put in place both the Sheppey and Maidstone-bound lanes will shut from 8pm today (Friday, August 30) until 5am on Monday, September 2.

The diversion route will be up and down the Sheppey and Maidstone-bound exit and entry slip roads.

In preparation for the bridge installation, the Sheppey-bound exit slip and the new Sheppey-bound entry slip will reopen during the night works while the main road is closed.

After the bridge beams are in place both these parts of the junction will remain open under traffic management.

The busy slip road has been closed since April.

Work underway on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November 2023. Picture: Phil Drew
Work underway on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November 2023. Picture: Phil Drew

Traffic management on the A249 is due to be lifted in January 2025 and all other roadworks being complete by May 2025.

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