A21 dualling given go ahead

A scheme to upgrade a 2.5 mile section of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury from single to dual carriageway has been given the go ahead.

The decision, announced by Roads Minister Robert Goodwill, follows a public inquiry that was held in May 2013.

The major road scheme will make journeys on the A21 safer and more reliable and deliver a fivefold return on investment for the UK economy.

Mr Goodwill said: “This is great news not only for residents and businesses who use the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury, but also for the local economy. “The next steps demonstrate the government’s clear £15.1 billion commitment to our road network in boosting capacity on our motorways and major trunk roads by 2021.”

Highways Agency project manager Graham Link added: “The A21 is a vital route linking the Tonbridge/Tunbridge Wells and Hastings/Bexhill areas to the M25 and London. The new section will provide much needed capacity to reduce congestion and will also improve safety with new junctions provided and a better road layout.”

Following today’s announcement, the Highways Agency will now complete the processing of legal documents and will appoint a contractor for the scheme. Advance work could start in autumn 2014 with main construction as early as spring 2015.