Work on two multi-million pound projects to improve A249 junctions is to begin next year.

It has been confirmed construction on the Key Street and Grovehurst roundabouts in Sittingbourne will start in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2024.

Last year, a report at Swale’s Joint Transportation Board meeting said construction was expected to begin in October 2022. This has now been delayed until 2023.

Cllr James Hunt (Con), who represents The Meads, had a briefing last week and confirmed that Kent County Council (KCC) was still in the planning stages and was unable to give exact dates for the roadworks.

He said: “Construction at the Grovehurst roundabout is to start in spring 2023 with completion expected in summer 2024, possibly a bit later.

“A new bridge is to be built at the location to create a roundabout like Key Street, but on a slightly bigger scale.”

Cllr Hunt explained that during the first phase traffic would continue as normal while temporary slip roads are built.

In phase two, the temporary slip roads will come in to use while the new bridge is built, and phase three will be connecting it all together before the new layout opens.

Cllr Hunt said: “The work is being planned with as little disruption as possible.

“A key change to note is that the A249 off slips, by Swale Way and the Grovehurst Road exit from Iwade, will have traffic lights.”

The predicted price-tag for the upgrade to Grovehurst roundabout is £32.7 million, which is being fully funded by the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

The scheme for Key Street is designed to improve capacity and safety and to move the access to the Maidstone-bound slip road to the A249, along Chestnut Street.

A new footpath, cycleway and commuter parking spaces are included along Chestnut Street.

The estimated costs of the improvements to Key Street is £5.9m, which is mostly being funded by the HIF. The rest is to be paid for by developer contributions.

Speaking of the Key Street improvements, Cllr Hunt said: “Dates here really could change as KCC need to also fit in work in relation to the Borden development, the new roundabout on Chestnut Street, but currently they are looking at a start in Autumn 2023 and completion Summer 2024.

“The changes are basically widening the three lanes in areas of the roundabout and the introduction of additional traffic lights and crossings.”