National Highways is set to start work on the upgrade of the M2 Junction 5 where it meets the A249, aiming to improve the flow of traffic and 'bring real benefits to drivers'.
Early preparatory work is due to start this month ahead of main construction work in January 2022.
The project includes:
- a new flyover, over the top of the existing roundabout, allowing free-flowing movement on the A249
- creating two new dedicated free-flowing slip roads:
- left turn from the A249 southbound to the M2 westbound towards London
- left turn from the A249 northbound to the M2 eastbound towards Canterbury
- closing the connection from the Maidstone Road the A249 Stockbury Roundabout and re-routing the Maidstone Road to link with Oad Street
- building a new link from Oad Street that connects directly with the A249 Stockbury Roundabout and closing the existing junction of Oad Street and the A249
- closing the Honeycrock Hill junction with the A249 for safety reasons.
The webpage for the project gives the cost as £50-£100m and an end date of 2025.
National Highways project manager Amy Hulley said: ‘Improvements to this important junction will improve journey times, improve safety and provide a more integrated network for everyone.
‘To give people the opportunity to find out more, we’re holding online virtual public information events, where road users will be able to learn more about the project and ask questions before we start the main construction work in January next year. I urge people who use the M2 around Junction 5 to get involved and we look forward to hearing their feedback.’
Early work will involve lane closures on the southbound and northbound A249 around Junction 5 (Stockbury Interchange) during off peak hours during the day.
National Highways described the closures as limited, to help with site clearance and preparation work for the main construction.
- The diversion of water pipes, electricity and phone lines
- The installation of a site compound
- Vegetation and site clearance
- Archaeological investigations
