Part of a multi-million-pound transport project reached another milestone as it officially opened to drivers.

Those travelling through Iwade and Kemsley in Sittingbourne may have noticed a slightly smoother journey.

Since 6am today (June 20), one lane out of three of the new bridge is now accessible to motorists on the Grovehurst roundabout.

Contractors Jackson Civil Engineering told KentOnline the A249 Sheppey-bound exit and entry slip roads have also opened with a single-lane running.

This means people can use the full roundabout gyratory system as per the design for the first time.

The roads have been open on single lanes to allow staff to continue working on the sides.

The A249 Grovehurst Road Improvement Scheme started in September 2023 and is set to replace the existing dumbbell junction with a two-bridge flyover.

It is part of a £32.7 million upgrade by Kent County Council (KCC), which estimates there will be 30% more traffic using Grovehurst in 2037 than there is today.

This is because Swale council’s Local Plan, adopted in 2017, outlined more than 13,000 new homes across the borough.

In September, KentOnline’s reporter was able to go behind the scenes and watch parts of the new structure be lowered into place.

At the time, workers were seen putting large steel rods into the concrete frame of the bridge, while others were preparing for the installation of the final two of the four 100-tonne steel beams that form the bridge deck.

Cllr Bill Barrett, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I'm pleased the new bridge is now open to the public for the first time, with single-lane access.

“Building it has been a complex project and I want to thank the local community for being very patient while the works have been progressing.

“I’m confident residents will soon experience the benefits of smoother, safer and more reliable journeys thanks to this important infrastructure upgrade.”

The project itself, however, has been hit with a number of problems.

In April, KCC announced an extension of the final competition date – pushing it back to September due to the “complexity of the construction” at the junction, as well as the challenges involved in ensuring utility companies coordinate the work they need to do.

It is at least a nine-month delay from the original opening date.

However, in the latest newsletter to residents and drivers, Jackson said: “We are working hard to complete the realignment of the junction and to ensure traffic management is removed from major roads by the revised completion timeline of October.”

The contractor explained the further one-month delay is the result of utility works and the time required to complete construction of the Swale Way side of the roundabout.

Upcoming closures include Grovehurst Road north (Iwade-bound), which has been extended to Thursday, June 26, for surfacing works.

There is also a five-night closure of the A249 mainline to allow for the installation of bridge lighting columns and painting works.

It will be in place from Monday (June 23) until Friday, June 27.

A drop-in question session is also scheduled to be held on Wednesday, June 25 from noon to 1pm.

Please RSVP to GrovehurstRoad@jackson-civils.co.uk if you will be attending.