As long as weather conditions allow, our contractor will now plan to fully reopen the reconstructed stretch of the coastbound road by 1st June, instead of 20th July as originally anticipated.
Since 15th April, works have been underway to excavate and replace the underlying surface of the coastbound road between the points where a contraflow was installed between the Whitstable junction and the Chestfield Tunnel.
KCC and its contractor GW Highways have made extremely good progress ahead of the original programme. The reasons for this include good weather, improved logistics for materials to be taken away and delivered and the existing drainage being in a better condition than first anticipated, therefore not requiring replacement.
The total cost of the works including preliminary surveys and testing is £4.4 million. The works have been carried out to improve and stabilise the underlying subsoil of the road and to stop the heave effect caused by the underlying clay.
Specialist geotextile materials and different sized aggregates have been used to reinforce the initial underlying surface and multiple layers of asphalt will be laid on top before the road fully reopens.
A contraflow system was installed to minimise the disruption that would face the travelling public as much as possible.
“I am grateful to everyone for their continued patience as we have worked at pace to make sure we can continue to make sure the road surface is safe for the future...”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, said: “The early completion of the extensive A299 works will be a welcome piece of good news for many people living, working and travelling through the area.
“Our work to reconstruct and resurface this stretch of road will mean the regular closures needed to reduce the road defects, which have caused the bumpy experience that plagued so many journeys, should be a thing of the past.
“I am grateful to everyone for their continued patience as we have worked at pace so we can continue to make sure the road surface is safe for the future, while helping to keep Kent moving.”
GW Highways’ Civil and Commercial Director, Neil Huntington, said: “GW Highways was delighted to be asked to get involved in the planning and delivery of this major reconstruction project on the A299 Thanet Way. Through a long and diligent early contractor and pre-construction phase alongside the KCC asset engineering team.
“With weather permitting we will be demobilising and handing back to the travelling public a new carriageway designed and installed for longevity. We can all be proud of delivering a safe fully sustainable solution within budget and eight weeks early.
“We would like to thank KCC for the opportunity to deliver this project alongside our trusted supply chain partners.”
Updated project timeline and traffic management plan
From Monday 15th April 2024 to Monday 27th May 2024
With the contraflow in place, reconstruction works will commence on the coastbound A299 Thanet Way.
From Tuesday 28th May 2024 to Friday 31st May 2024
The A299 Thanet Way will be closed in both directions each night from 7pm to 7am to allow for the safe phased removal of the contraflow. A temporary 40mph speed limit will be in place 24 hours a day and lane closures may be required during the day. A signed diversion route will be installed for each direction of travel.
ENDS
