Home   Faversham   News   Article

MP pushes for Brenley Corner resurfacing to finish before Brexit

Faversham’s MP has pressed highways bosses to finish resurfacing the notorious Brenley Corner roundabout before Britain finally leaves the EU.

Conservative Helen Whately wants the “half-done” project complete ahead of the Brexit deadline in March next year, fearing more traffic chaos at the junction if Operation Stack is implemented because of any resulting border issues.

She met with Highways England to demand answers over why the works have not yet been completed.

Brenley Corner
Brenley Corner

Much of the junction has been resurfaced, but stretches along the bridges over the M2 have yet to be touched.

Road bosses say these will be done when toucan crossings for pedestrians and cyclists are installed - but say the project could stretch into the next financial year.

Mrs Whately, however, has called for the work to be carried out earlier, branding the roundabout “dangerous and not fit for purpose”.

“People are baffled that the job of resurfacing Brenley Corner seems to have been left half-done,” she said.

“I met Highways England to get some answers and they explained that the sections over the bridge will be finished at the same time as the new crossings are installed - which should be by next spring.

“I am glad these improvement are going ahead - and the crossing will make the roundabout safer for pedestrians and cyclists - but what this junction really needs is a complete overhaul.

“I made the case that Brenley Corner is congested, dangerous and not fit for purpose. They definitely got the message.

“There is some time yet until we hear about the next round of roads funding so I will keep on lobbying to make sure Brenley Corner gets its share.

Faversham.Faversham MP Helen Whately is pressing for the work to be completed soon
Faversham.Faversham MP Helen Whately is pressing for the work to be completed soon

“In the meantime, I asked Highways England to get on with the resurfacing and do their utmost to minimise disruption to local drivers - including making sure to have it done before March next year in case of Operation Stack.”

A Highways England report last year, named Brenley Corner one of the UK’s worst accident blackspots; putting it in the top 50 locations for casualties.

The authority says it is aware of defects and aims to finish works in the next financial year.

Spokesman Jack Tappin said: “The scheme earlier this year was to resurface the roundabout, although this did not include the bridge decks.

“Currently our plans are for a scheme at Brenley Corner to provide four toucan crossings, three new and one upgraded existing crossing.

Traffic at Brenley Corner
Traffic at Brenley Corner

“As part of the delivery of the scheme the rest of the roundabout will be resurfaced to provide the best surface for the high friction surfacing associated with the crossings to be applied.

“The works will also include some kerb realignment and white lining.

“We are hopeful of delivering the scheme within the current financial year, though there is a lot of work ongoing locally with the M2 junction 7 improvement and on the M20, so we will remain flexible as to how we deliver these crossings.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More