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Overall objectives of East Kent Access are outlined under
Phase 1.
Phase 2 involves the improvement of the A253 from Minster
roundabout to Lord of the Manor; and the A256 from Lord of the
Manor back to Ebbsfleet Lane where Phase 1 terminates.
The physical and environmental constraints imposed by Kent
International airport, the Cliffs End community and Pegwell Bay
require a 'greenfield' alignment for this dual carriageway
improvement.
Public consultation was held in 2002 and 2004 and the route and
outline design has been developed where possible to minimise the
impact on the land holdings and to address concerns raised during
consultation. The scheme achieved planning consent in September
2006. In October 2006 the Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads
Order was published. These Orders were considered at Public Inquiry
in April 2007 but statutory objectors were successfully negotiated
away beforehand.
The Public Inquiry was short and non-controversial and there is
every confidence that the Secretary of State will be able to
confirm the Orders following receipt of the Inspector's Report.
The next stage is then a formal application to the Department of
Transport (DfT) for Conditional Acceptance of funding. This is a
detailed submission that updates the Programme Entry bid and seeks
to confirm the business case and scheme cost estimates.
Subject to the confirmation of Orders and Government giving
Conditional Acceptance to the funding the next stage would be the
invitation of construction tenders. Provided tender returns are
consistent with the estimates and Conditional Acceptance then a
final submission is made to DfT for Full Acceptance of funding. If
successful this will allow full commitment to be given to the
scheme and the construction contract awarded. The first year of
activity will be archaeological investigation, environmental
mitigation measures and developing the design and build elements.
Main construction is expected to commence in early 2009 and the
road to be open in autumn 2011. |