Drone footage has revealed the latest progress on the new A249 flyover.

Aerial images of the Stockbury roundabout near Sittingbourne show the engineering feat taking shape as it comes into its final year of construction.

Contractors are continuing to work on National Highways’ M2 junction 5 improvements which began three years ago.

The project is expected to cost up to £100 million and will improve the slip roads and junction approaches onto the motorway. It is expected to finish later this year.

A National Highways’ spokesman said: “We’ve already seen heavy rain, hailstorms, and even snow this year, but work continues to progress well, and we’re on track for our winter 2024 completion date.

“In the coming months, work will gather pace to the south of the Stockbury roundabout, as we start on the new carriageways for the A249 Maidstone-bound and Sheppey-bound, drainage improvements and connections to the Stockbury flyover.

“We’ll also be finishing the A249 main carriageway to the north of the Stockbury roundabout, and connecting it into the northern side of the Stockbury flyover.

“When complete, we’ll move Maidstone-bound traffic onto the new carriageway, and away from the slip road that is currently being used.”

In early summer National Highways will be opening the new South Green link road.

This road, which currently carries A249 Maidstone-bound traffic, will connect South Green Lane and Oad Street directly to the Stockbury Roundabout, where traffic can join the A249 and the M2 in all directions.

The spokesman continued: “Later in the year, we’ll open the centerpiece of our project – the new Stockbury flyover.

“The flyover will provide free movement for drivers travelling on the A249, without the need to pass through the Stockbury roundabout, helping to improve journey times and safety.

“As construction comes to an end, you’ll also see extensive landscaping and planting around the junction.

“We’re increasing the natural woodland habitat by over 8.7 hectares by planting a mixture of native trees and shrubs, leaving a lasting natural legacy around the site.”

For the latetst news on the M2 junction 5 project visit the National Highways website.