Galley Hill Road
On 10 April 2023 a portion of the northern edge of the Swanscombe Quarry collapsed causing a landslide. It led to a lot of chalk and other materials falling to the quarry floor, onto business premises below.
The landslide also took part of the road and footpath of Galley Hill Road. This road is on the chalk above the old quarry site. This, in turn, caused considerable damage to the highway's utility infrastructure. Local phone and broadband services were also affected.
What we're doing
Throughout 2024, contractors have been on site carrying out surveys and tests on the road surface and the chalk spine. Working with land owners, tests have been carried out to assess the stability of the cliff face near to the collapse. Whilst there is no work on site, all information gathered from the surveys is being assessed to enable options are being developed for the road.
In the meantime, the road will have to remain closed. The diversion route will continue to be monitored and localised repairs carried out as necessary.
Last updated: 8 October 2024
The road remains closed. View the diversion route:
The alternative route for pedestrians is via:
- High Street
- Stanhope Road
- cycle track from Thames Way to Stanhope Road
- A226 Thames Way
- A226 Stonebridge Road
- A226 Galley Hill Road and vice versa.
There are temporary restrictions on some roads in Galley Hill. This is to encourage drivers to keep to the diversion route. Permanent signs are in place alongside temporary restrictions along the diversion route.
Traffic lights at either end of the diversion are off. We have made changes to the lights at High Street Swanscombe and Galley Hill Road. This is to help traffic flow freely.
As the area is very populated and traffic flow is high, congestion may still remain.
Due to the closure of Galley Hill Road, bus routes in the area have changed. Below is a list of route changes in the area affected.
You can find timetables for an Arriva services on the Arriva website.
Services affected are:
480, 490 and 491
Since 28 July 2024, routes 470, 480 and 490 have been standardised to operate up to every 10 minutes between Gravesend and Dartford via Swanscombe and Bluewater. All journeys now follow the same route and are numbered as 480.
Between Ebbsfleet Stadium and Swanscombe George and Dragon, Route 480 operates via:
- Thames Way
- Ebbsfleet Gateway
- Southfleet Road
- Stanhope Road
- High Street.
Journeys east of Gravesend are numbered 490/491 and can be accessed via a change of bus at Gravesend.
Through ticketing is available between 480/490/491.
Fastrack B
Fastrack B operates via A2, and runs fast between Ebbsfleet International Station and Manor Way Roundabout. Buses operate up to every 15 minutes.
The nearest Fastrack B stop to Swanscombe is Manor Way Roundabout.
The journey time now includes an extra 7 minutes per journey between Ebbsfleet and Bluewater, compared to the previous route via Galley Hill Road.
Fastrack AZ
Fastrack AZ now runs on the A2 between Ebbsfleet International Station and Greenhithe Station. It no longer goes to Ingress Park or Swanscombe.
For Ingress Park, use Fastrack B and interchange with Fastrack A/AZ at Greenhithe Station. For Swanscombe, the nearest Fastrack stop is the Manor Way Roundabout stop (Fastrack B).
3 (school route)
This service now runs via a new route. It serves:
- Springhead Park
- Southfleet Road
- Stanhope Road
- Swanscombe High Street.
34 (school route)
This service now runs via a new route. It serves Castle Hill (Ebbsfleet) and uses:
- Southfleet Road
- Stanhope Road
- Swanscombe High Street to reach London Road.
The journey time now includes an extra 7 minutes per journey between Ebbsfleet and Bluewater, compared to the previous route via Galley Hill Road.
Recent improvements
Image shows the road construction site with workers, barriers, and construction vehicles.
Image shows cone going into the road to test the strength of the cliff makeup. In the background a rig is digging holes in the road.
Utilities
We are continuing to work with utilities to facilitate any diversionary works required to ensure continued service.
For any issues with power, water or broadband, contact your supplier.
Who to contact if your property or business has been affected
At this stage we cannot offer any further information on the cause of the landslide, how it will be remedied or how long the road will be closed.
If you have concerns regarding the affect or impact the issue is having on your property or your business, then your initial point of contact should be your insurers.