David Porter, ICE's 161st President, was invited to the construction site to see first-hand how the project, which will provide rapid, reliable and sustainable public transport connections across Kent Thameside, is taking shape.
The visit underlines the project’s importance not only to the local area, but as part of a wider national effort to improve public transport networks and support low-carbon travel. It will also support major housing growth, jobs and regeneration in the area.
Nick Gray, Chair of the ICE South East England Region, and David Porter, President of ICE, with Helen Rowe, KCC's Interim Head of Highways, and Lawrence Fan, Structures Engineer at KCC. Picture: ICE
Peter Osborne, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “It was great to welcome David Porter to Kent and show him the progress we’ve made in getting this important project underway.
“It really highlights just how vital the Bean Road underpass is, not only for supporting greener ways to travel, but also for helping unlock the full potential of this fast-growing community.”
Speaking about the visit, Mr Porter said: “It was fascinating to visit the site of the future Bean Road Underpass and gain a first-hand understanding of how this project will significantly enhance transport connectivity, encourage greater use of sustainable travel options, ease pressure on the wider road network, and help transform the local area.
“My thanks to the team for organising such an informative and engaging visit. It was also a pleasure to meet Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Peter Osborne, and discuss the importance of maintaining our road network while continuing to invest in new infrastructure."
David Porter was given a presentation about the project before visiting the contruction site. Picture: ICE
Once complete, the scheme will deliver a 75-metre underpass beneath the B255 Bean Road, creating a dedicated link for Fastrack buses, pedestrians and cyclists between Whitecliffe (formerly Eastern Quarry) and Bluewater Shopping Centre, as well as improving connections to Ebbsfleet International Station.
Funding for the scheme has been secured from the Department for Transport through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, alongside contributions from Bluewater and Eastern Quarry Limited.
This funding is ringfenced specifically for improvements to bus and sustainable transport infrastructure and cannot legally be redirected to other highway projects.
Following a competitive tender process, Erith Contractors Limited was appointed to deliver the works, with the construction contract valued at £18.6 million and a total scheme value of £25.5 million.
Construction is expected to take around 15 months, with completion currently forecast for summer 2027.
