A21 Tonbridge to Pembury moves into next major phase
A major new phase of a scheme to benefit drivers on the A21 in Kent will begin this weekend (20 to 21 August).
The A21 is being upgraded to a dual carriageway between Tonbridge and Pembury making journeys more reliable and improving safety on this vital route between London and Hastings.
Work started on the scheme in April 2015 and has already involved constructing new slip roads, translocating an ancient woodland, removing a Grade II listed building which will be rebuilt in a museum, and a variety of measures for protected species.
The next phase will see traffic moved on to those new slip roads so a new flyover can be constructed at the Longfield Road junction and a new junction constructed at Fairthorne.
It will also involve the temporary closure of Tonbridge Road which is one of two roads leading to the Pembury Hospital; contingency plans have already been agreed to allow emergency access to Pembury Hospital in the event that the other road is closed. We have also worked closely with the hospital to minimise the impact of the road closure.
Highways England project manager Anne-Marie Palmer said:
This scheme will deliver huge benefits to people travelling on this part of the A21 in Kent, and further afield, between Hastings and London. We have achieved a lot so far and now we are ready for the next phase of the work, which will see the construction of a new flyover at the Longfield Road junction and a new junction at Fairthorne. Once complete this scheme will increase traffic capacity, and the junction upgrades and improvements to the road layout will improve safety.
Ahead of the new phase of construction, to move traffic onto the temporary layout, the A21 will be closed in both directions overnight, between 8pm and 6am, on Saturday 20 August.
From Sunday 21 August the A21 will be moved onto the newly constructed slip roads at the Longfield Road junction. Access to and from Tonbridge Road from the Longfield Road junction will be closed throughout construction. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A228.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.
Last updated 23 August 2016 + show all updates
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We have changed the term “moving” for “translocating”. Moving is incorrect, as ancient woodland cannot be moved. The ancient woodland soils and habitat have been translocated to a new 18ha woodland.
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First published.