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A249 Grovehurst Road and interchange junction

We have been awarded £38.1million from the Housing and Infrastructure Fund to deliver highway improvements at two junctions of the A249 to the west of Sittingbourne:

The scheme to improve the Grovehurst Road and A249 junction will replace the existing “dumbbell” junction with a two-bridge flyover.

The improvements constructed by Jackson Civil Engineering to the A249/Grovehurst Road include:

  • replacing the existing junction with a two-bridge flyover
  • removing the current roundabouts and constructing an additional bridge to create a loop over the A249.

Scheme cost

The £38.6 million is funded by £38.1 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund Grant.

Scheme documents

Due to the congestion on the roads, we as the local authority highway and Highways England are dedicated to improving the safety in this area of development.

The improvement scheme will increase capacity on the road network, and provide the infrastructure needed for the housing plans in Swale’s adopted local plan to be delivered. The housing plans consist of 4,628 new homes planned on the A249 corridor from the junction with the M2 to the Isle of Sheppey.

Formal decision

The approval to progress the scheme was taken by Kent County Council on 27 April 2020.

Planning consent for the Grovehurst Road scheme was granted on 16 March 2022.

In Kent, we are responsible for all public roads except motorways and trunk roads. The M2 and A249 are managed by National Highways.

Diversions

The diversion routes are clearly marked, including big signs letting drivers know Sheppey Way is not suitable for HGVs.

Despite the official diversion route not passing through Iwade, we understand motorists often look for the most convenient and direct route. We will continuously monitor and review the impact on Iwade.

Currently, the traffic management plan is in place until summer 2024. Any changes to the programme will be communicated to residents and businesses. To be notified of any changes email GrovehurstRoad@jackson-civils.co.uk to join our mailing list.

A249 southbound

From Monday 9 September, at 8pm until spring 2025, the A249 southbound exit slip road at Grovehurst Road will be closed. This is to build a new southern gyratory.

The closure will take place from the Grovehurst Road junction..

All diverted traffic will travel southbound using the A249 to Bobbing. It will then return northbound, using the northbound exit slip road, towards the Grovehurst Road junction.

We understand these works have an impact on travel times. We'll keep monitoring our traffic plans to minimise disruption.

Kingsferry Bridge closure

Network Rail intends to close the Kingsferry Bridge between 10pm on Friday 25 October until 5am on Sunday 3 November. Therefore, the single-lane closure northbound on the A249 will be temporarily withdrawn to help increase capacity and reduce disruption for the travelling public. The A249 southbound traffic management will be removed on Thursday 24 October and reinstated on Sunday 3 November. Find out more on the Network Rail website.

Timescales

  • Advanced vegetation clearance - completed February 2023
  • Advanced ecological reptile translocation - completed spring to summer 2023
  • Contract award (main works) - completed May 2023
  • Commenced works - August 2023
  • Northbound exit and entry slip roads reopen - completed August 2024
  • Bridge desk installation - completed late summer 2024
  • Traffic management on A249 removed - January 2025
  • Works completed - May 2025.

Newsletters

View the latest updates of the A249 Grovehurst Road and Key Street scheme:

Media releases

Recent improvements

31 August and 1 September 2024

Email GrovehurstRoad@jackson-civils.co.uk to contact us or give us feedback about this scheme.

Funded by

The government Growth Deal provides money to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, funding projects which drive Kent’s economic and business growth.