Maidstone Bridges improvement scheme
This scheme has seen the construction of 2 additional northbound lanes on the eastern side of the River Medway, with new junctions controlled by traffic signals. Additional works will also improve nearby pedestrian areas.
The scheme involved the construction of 2 additional northbound lanes on the eastern side of the River Medway, with new junctions controlled by traffic signals.
After construction these signals were assessed and optimised to ensure that they deliver the maximum benefit level.
Directional signage was also renewed and re-aligned traffic islands constructed.
The new northbound lanes of traffic travelling from Bishops Way towards the M20 via Fairmeadow opened in December 2016. Drivers travelling towards Chatham will need to be in the centre and outside lanes on Bishops Way.
Plans and drawings
- Maidstone bridges gyratory scheme overall plan (PDF, 549.6 KB)
- phase 1 plan (PDF, 758.2 KB)
- phase 2 overall plan (PDF, 686.7 KB)
- phase 2A plan (PDF, 822.8 KB)
- phase 2B plan (PDF, 855.8 KB)
- phase 3A plan (PDF, 754.9 KB)
- phase 3B plan (PDF, 735.9 KB)
- phase 3C plan (PDF, 670.3 KB)
- phase 3D plan (PDF, 692.7 KB)
- phase 3E plan (PDF, 657.1 KB)
- phase 4 plan (PDF, 704.3 KB)
- phase 5 plan (PDF, 661.9 KB)
- View the design drawings (PDF, 331.5 KB)
- Maidstone Bridges improvement scheme newsletter (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Listen to a radio interview about the scheme, given to the Kent Messenger.
The Maidstone Gyratory is a recognised congestion and air quality hotspot within Maidstone Town Centre. It is located at the point where the A20, A26, A229 and A249 primary routes meet and cross the River Medway.
These changes will help northbound traffic on the A229 to avoid the existing gyratory system. This should reduce journey distances and travel times and help the regeneration of the western riverside.
Objectives
The objectives of this scheme were to:
- improve the operation of the gyratory to improve journey time and reliability
- remove poor elements of the existing layout leading to better journey quality
- provide a transport system which can assist in the delivery of Maidstone’s Local Plan.
Formal decision
The approval to progress the Maidstone Bridges improvement scheme was taken by Kent County Council on 14 January 2015.
The decision by the SELEP Accountability Board to grant Local Growth Funding for the Maidstone Bridges improvement scheme was made on the 20 March 2015.
The contract for the work was awarded to Jackson Civil Engineering.
The scheme was funded by £4.6 million Local Growth Fund money provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, administered by Kent County Council, as well as £1.14 million from Maidstone Borough Council.
Funded by
The government Growth Deal provides money to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, funding projects which drive Kent’s economic and business growth.
