A project transforming one of the main routes into Canterbury has sparked a backlash from “heartbroken” residents - as they brace themselves for weeks of disruption.

Work to equip Herne Bay Road in Broad Oak, on the outskirts of the city, with a new roundabout, toucan crossing and widened carriageways has begun.

Supporters of the scheme - which is being carried out by Barratt Homes - believe it will help the village cope with an influx of vehicles from the 465-home Woodlands development nearby.

But opponents claim it will do little to quell fears the 40mph route is at times unsafe to cross.

Peta Boucher, who lives in Herne Bay Road, told KentOnline: “The toucan crossing won’t solve the problem because why would anybody walk more than 200 metres up Sturry Hill from the Woodlands to it?

“There’s going to be hundreds of new people living there and the school is on the other side of this road - they will just use the island that’s already there.

“Are they going to expect families to cross this 40mph road just using an island?

“The traffic here is relentless - it’s very dangerous.

“It’s heartbreaking really and we’ve got to contend with all the traffic from Herne and Herne Bay.”

Ms Boucher also believes the roundabout will exacerbate queues along Herne Bay Road, which is regularly used by motorists travelling between Canterbury and the seaside town.

Barratt Homes, which is constructing the homes on the Woodlands site, started the route-widening and resurfacing work on January 23.

Bosses of the firm expect to build the crossing and the roundabout - which are both earmarked for spots between Popes Lane and Sweechgate - by the end of March.

The entire project is scheduled for completion in the first week of April, with temporary traffic lights erected throughout.

“The roundabout will mean huge queues of cars waiting to go down Sturry Hill,” Ms Boucher added.

“We’ve got that at the moment because Sweechgate is shut until March 5, so it’s a taster for what is to come really.”

Barratt has confirmed that just six of 456 residences on its site have so far been completed.

Sweechgate is currently sealed off to allow the company to divert a water main under the rat-run.

Traffic is being diverted onto Herne Bay Road, adding to congestion.

Villagers living directly opposite the Woodlands - which used to be farmland - are also “devastated” to be losing parts of a grass strip separating their driveways from the A291 Broad Oak Road.

Sue Barnett, 73, said: “It was all fields and orchards on that plot - it was beautiful. It was the main reason we bought the house 45 years ago.

“I didn’t realise how close to the road this would be compared to our house and after we have suffered a year of dust, noise and destruction.

“It’s been miserable, really miserable and now they want to take away more than half our grass.

"The traffic here is relentless - it’s very dangerous. It’s heartbreaking really and we’ve got to contend with all the traffic from Herne Bay..."

“If they’re not going to lower that speed limit, it could be devastating.”

More than half of the grass verge will be torn up, taking trees and bus stops with it.

While many villagers think the plans will negatively impact the community, some hope the roadworks will improve the flow of traffic in the area.

Barratt argues the work will do just that, and allow it to “upgrade” several bus stops in the process.

“We will be widening Herne Bay Road to facilitate two turn lanes into The Woodlands and Pope’s Lane, as per our planning agreement with Kent County Council’s highways team,” a company spokesman said.

“The plans will also see us install a new signalised pedestrian crossing to the south of the roundabout, alongside relocating and upgrading two existing bus stops to allow easier access for people with limited mobility.

“These works have unfortunately necessitated the removal of part of the existing verge and saplings, and we are working with the county council, the landowner, to review alternative plans to replant nearby.”