The project will upgrade the junction of Badsell Road (B2017) and Maidstone Road (B2160) to support traffic growth from three nearby developments, bringing 1,000 new homes to the area.
Construction is set to start on Monday 7 September 2026 and last until late spring.
KCC is leading the project, with funding provided by the developers through Section 106 contributions.
Works will increase the capacity of the junction, improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and provide measures to help manage flood risk.
“These improvements will help reduce future traffic impacts, create safer and more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve flood resilience in the area.”
Peter Osborne, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: "This is a really important project for Paddock Wood's future. With significant new housing being delivered in the area, it is vital that the local roads can keep up with the growth. These improvements will help reduce future traffic impacts, create safer and more accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve flood resilience in the area."
Luke Cowan, Contracts Manager at Breheny Civil Engineering Ltd, said: “Breheny Civil Engineering are delighted to have been awarded this important road upgrade project by KCC. This contract reflects the confidence placed in our team and we look forward to working closely with KCC, local stakeholders, and our project partners to ensure the successful delivery of this critical infrastructure improvement.
“The Badsell Road and Maidstone Road junction improvement will benefit local residents and business by easing congestion and provide safer pedestrian access for adjacent housing developments and students at Leigh Academy Mascalls.”
The project will upgrade the junction of Badsell Road and Maidstone Road
The vegetation along Badsell Road has been identified as potential habitat for hazel dormice, which are a protected species. Before any work that could affect their habitat can take place, a licence must be obtained by Natural England.
A condition of this licence, which KCC has now secured, means work cannot start until mid-September. While this has impacted our ability to start earlier in the school holidays, it is important that we follow all the necessary environmental safeguarding procedures. As part of the project, a new habitat will be created for the dormice.
Once completed, the project will:
- Realign and widen Badsell Road to provide two approach lanes at the Maidstone Road junction
- Widen the existing footpath along the north side of Badsell Road and create a new verge
- Create a new shared footway and cycle route on the south side of Badsell Road, including a direct connection to the new housing development
- Extend the existing shared footpath and cycle route along Maidstone Road
- Install new traffic lights at the junction, together with improved pedestrian crossings and a new crossing on Badsell Road
- Provide flood mitigation basins and underground storage areas to help manage flood risk
- Include new landscaping and tree planting to replace trees and dormouse habitat lost as part of the works.
For more information, visit Badsell Road junction improvement.
