Progress continues on Sturry Link Road with major Homes England backing

Contractors began working on the Sturry Link Road in April, which will deliver part of a new route between the A28 and the A291 at Sturry, creating a bypass for the heavily congested Sturry Level Crossing and the busy junction at Island Road.

Kent County Council (KCC) has secured £48.5million of funding from Homes England to help build the Sturry Link Road. This agreement was signed in March 2026 and will support the delivery of this important project.

Part of this funding, £23.7million, will be paid back to Homes England once the road is completed. This repayment will come from developer contributions linked to new housing developments enabled by the scheme, known as Section 106 funding.

This agreement helps to make sure essential infrastructure can be delivered at the right time, supporting new homes, jobs and better connections for the local area.

The remaining £12.5million will be put forward by KCC, including from Section 106 money already secured.

The scheme is being delivered by VolkerFitzpatrick Limited and involves building a new viaduct spanning the River Stour, its floodplain and the railway line. This will connect to new roundabouts at either end and link into a new east–west route north of the railway, connecting with Sturry Hill and Shalloak Road. The east–west section will be delivered as part of the development north of the railway line.

The full route, known as Sturry Relief Road, will directly address long-standing traffic issues in Sturry, where the A28 is frequently congested due to delays at the level crossing. By providing an alternative route, the scheme will allow traffic to bypass the crossing, reducing queues, improving journey reliability and enhancing access to Sturry Railway Station.

In addition to reducing congestion, the project includes:

• A shared footway and cycleway to encourage walking and cycling
• A dedicated southbound bus lane for services heading towards Canterbury city centre
• New pedestrian crossing points
• Road lighting throughout the route (excluding the viaduct)

Once complete, the new bypass will play a key role in supporting planned housing growth in Sturry and Broad Oak, ensuring that essential infrastructure is delivered alongside new homes.

KCC Members and officers met with VolkerFitzpatrick on the construction site on Thursday 28 May to see the progress first hand.

Peter Osborne, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This is a major investment for the area, and the support from Homes England is vital in helping us deliver the infrastructure needed to unlock new homes, support local businesses and improve everyday journeys.

"It’s great to see work is progressing well on the Sturry Link Road, which will make a real difference to people who regularly experience delays at the level crossing.

“Once complete, the new road will provide a more reliable route for residents and visitors, while also creating better connections across the local network."

Pauline Schaffer, Home England’s Director of Housing and Infrastructure Grant Funding, said: “This latest milestone is an excellent example of how funding from Homes England is helping to deliver the vital infrastructure and homes needed to unlock thriving places that communities can be proud of.

“It's great to see progress on the Sturry Link Road, and we look forward to continuing to support KCC to achieve its ambitions.”

Andrew Avery, Senior Project Manager, VolkerFitzpatrick said: “We are delighted that construction has begun on this vital scheme.

“The new route will ease congestion at the level crossing, improve journeys, and unlock growth for local communities. Working in partnership with KCC, we’re proud to be delivering long-term infrastructure that will make a real difference across the region.”

For more information on the scheme, visit the project page.