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Sheppey-bound A249 exit slip to close and Sheppey Way closure planned as Grovehurst Junction improvements continue

An A249 exit slip road is set to close as work continues on a multi-million-pound junction revamp project.

There is a full overnight closure planned for the Sheppey-bound A249 exit slip road by the Grovehurst Junction between Iwade and Kemsley, near Sittingbourne.

Work underway on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November 2023. Picture: Phil Drew
Work underway on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November 2023. Picture: Phil Drew

The closure is taking place on Wednesday, March 13, from 8pm until 5am the following day, to enable contractors to carry out the installation of road markings.

A diversion is in in place via the Sheppey Way roundabout (just off the Kingsferry Bridge), where traffic can return to the A249 (towards Stockbury) and leave from the slip road there.

This weekend part of Swale Way is also set to close for the works.

From 7am, on Saturday March 9, until 6am on Monday, March 11, there will be a full road closure both east and westbound between Swale Way Roundabout and Barge Way Roundabout.

This closure will enable contractors to install upgraded future services, as part of the Grovehurst Road scheme.

The diversion in place for the Sheppey Way closure this weekend
The diversion in place for the Sheppey Way closure this weekend

Access to residents will be maintained throughout the duration of the closure via the local access from Barge way roundabout to Lloyds Drive and back.

Nicholls lorry access will also be maintained using only the Swale Way roundabout heading eastbound into Nicholls access road.

The Grovehurst Junction project is set to unlock plans for new homes for the A249 corridor, from the junction with the M2 to the Isle of Sheppey.

The scheme will use the existing bridge, but will replace the dumbbell design with a new one-way gyratory system incorporating a second bridge.

It will be built on the Sheppey side of the roundabout and include a cycleway and footpath linking through to Iwade.

Work underway on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November 2023. Picture: Phil Drew
Work underway on the Grovehurst junction near Sittingbourne in November 2023. Picture: Phil Drew

The £32.7m revamp was given the green light by Kent County Council (KCC) in March 2022, with the majority of the money coming via a £38.1m grant from the government's Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

Contractors began work last summer, with completion set for winter 2024.

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