With future housing developments in the area, and the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, traffic issues are expected to worsen which need to be addressed. The consultation is an opportunity for members of the public to give their views on KCC’s preferred scheme, which aims to improve journey time reliability, reduce delays and improve road safety across this popular section of the road network.
In 2020, KCC consulted on three possible options for improvements to Blue Bell Hill. More than 85% of respondents agreed that improvements were required and the feedback received has been used to develop the preferred scheme.
The scheme involves a range of improvements, including:
- free-flowing connections between the A229 and M2
- a realigned connection between Bridgewood and Lord Lees Roundabouts
- widening of the A229 to three lanes in the Maidstone bound direction, between the Lord Lees and Cobtree Roundabouts
- Running Horse Roundabout increased in size
- improved entry and exit arrangements to the petrol station located off the A229 Maidstone bound carriageway.
The scheme is expected to cost £250 million. KCC is seeking to secure at least 85% of the scheme costs from the Department for Transport’s Large Local Majors funding programme. An announcement on funding is expected later this year.
If funding and planning permission are secured, construction of the scheme is expected to start in 2029 and would be completed by 2031, before the Lower Thames Crossing opens to traffic.
“I encourage all road users to take a look at the consultation... and help us to shape a significant part of the county’s road network.”
Neil Baker, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Anyone who has driven on Blue Bell Hill knows that changes need to be made, particularly with the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.
“We are bringing this preferred proposal forward in the hope that it will see improvements to Blue Bell Hill that will make it safer and more reliable for the people of Kent.
‘I encourage all road users to take a look at the consultation webpage, or meet the project team in person, and help us to shape a significant part of the county’s road network.”
KCC is seeking feedback to ensure the views of the public are taken into account as the preferred scheme design develops. The consultation is open until 17 March 2025 and can be found at www.kent.gov.uk/a229bluebellhill.
The feedback provided will be used to identify concerns and preferences, and will help to inform the scheme design and planning application.
Notes to editor
The project team will be holding three in-person drop-in events where members of the public can find out more about the scheme and ask any questions.
The events details are as follows:
- Wednesday 5 February, from 3pm – 7pm at Hythe Suite, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, ME5 9AX
- Tuesday 11 February, from 4pm – 8pm at Inspiration 1, The Village Hotel, Castle View, Forstal Road, Maidstone ME14 3AQ
- Saturday 1 March, from 12 midday – 4pm at Hythe Suite, Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, ME5 9AX
