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People are being asked to have their say on multi-million plans to improve Blue Bell Hill to ease congestion.
Kent County Council (KCC) has plans for the key route between Maidstone and the Medway Towns and wants to know what the public thinks of them.
With many future housing developments in the area, not least a 2,000-home garden village scheme at Lidsing, plus issues arising from the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, the situation on the already heavily congested A229 can only get worse if not addressed.
KCC has devised a proposal based on the public’s reaction to three earlier options that went out to public consultation in 2020.
The “preferred scheme” is designed to ensure free-flowing connections between the A229 and M2, a realigned connection between the Bridgewood and Lord Lees Roundabouts, a widening of the A229 to three lanes in the Maidstone-bound direction between the Lord Lees and Cobtree Roundabouts, and the Running Horse Roundabout being increased in size.
There would also be improved entry and exit arrangements to the petrol station located off the A229 Maidstone-bound carriageway.
The scheme is now expected to cost £250 million.
KCC is hoping to get 85% of the cost from the DfT’s Large Local Majors funding programme.
If funding and planning permission are secured, construction of the scheme could start in 2029, with completion by 2031, before the Lower Thames Crossing opens to traffic.
Neil Baker is the cabinet member for highways and transport. He said: “Anyone who has driven on Blue Bell Hill knows that changes need to be made.
“I encourage all road users to take a look at the consultation webpage, or meet the project team in person, and help us to shape a significant part of the county’s road network.”
The KCC papers state: “A feasibility study was undertaken to assess the key routes in Kent against the objectives of the Major Road Network. This study ranked this part of the A229 as the second worst section of A road in the county against criteria of traffic levels, delays, collisions and journey time reliability.
“It also determined that the M20 and M2 junctions have a significant role in the delays and collisions on Blue Bell Hill.”
Consultation documents can be found here.
There are also going to be three drop-in events where members of the public can find out more.
They are as follows:
Wednesday, February 5, from 3pm to 7pm, at Hythe Suite, in the Bridgewood Manor Hotel and Spa, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, ME5 9AX.
Tuesday, February 11, from 4pm to 8pm at Inspiration 1, The Village Hotel, Castle View, Forstal Road, Maidstone, ME14 3AQ.
Saturday, March 1 March, from 12noon to 4pm at the Hythe Suite, Bridgewood Manor Hotel and Spa, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, ME5 9AX.