Kent County Council to explore submitting funding bid to reopen Galley Hill Road

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Travel and transport
Three people standing on a pavement beside temporary metal fencing at a roadworks site, with concrete barriers, trees, and an overcast sky in the background

Kent County Council (KCC) has welcomed the announcement by the Government confirming the details of its new national Structures Fund, which will provide funding for major infrastructure repairs.

The announcement follows the Government’s initial indication in 2024 that it intended to create a national fund of this kind, and the formal unveiling of plans for the Structures Fund in June 2025.

KCC has repeatedly made clear since 2024 that national funding would be essential to deliver a permanent solution for A226 Galley Hill Road, a major strategic link between Gravesend and Dartford, which has been closed since a major chalk landslip in April 2023. The Council has also consistently sought clarity on when applications to the fund would open so it could move forward.

Now the fund has been formally launched, we will be reviewing the eligibility of the scheme and the potential to submit a strong and well-prepared bid to secure funding to reopen this vital stretch of road.

Severe ground collapse beside a road, showing a large exposed pit with broken pavement, soil layers, debris, and visible pipes next to a fenced roadway.

Galley Hill Road has been closed since a major chalk landslip in April 2023

Peter Osborne smiles towards the camera and is standing in front of green leaves

“Now that the fund is open, we will move quickly to explore the possibility of submitting a strong bid so Galley Hill Road can be treated as a priority scheme.”

Peter Osborne KCC's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

Peter Osborne, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We know just how important Galley Hill Road is to local residents and businesses in Swanscombe, Ebbsfleet and Northfleet and how long people have been waiting for real progress.

“Since 2024 we’ve been clear that government funding would be essential, and while we waited for the Government to open the Structures Fund, we’ve made sure we are ready by progressing designs and technical work.

“Now that the fund is open, we will move quickly to explore the possibility of submitting a strong bid so Galley Hill Road can be treated as a priority scheme. At the same time, we will continue working locally to improve safety and reduce congestion.

“This remains a top priority for KCC, and we will continue to keep residents updated as this work moves forward.”

A road junction closed with red-and-white barriers and cones, traffic lights switched off, and a large leafy tree and stone building behind the closure.

The A226 Galley Hill Road remains closed

KCC will continue to engage with residents, businesses, MPs and partners as the funding process progresses and will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news on our website.