A249 Key Street junction

We were awarded £38.1 million from the Housing and Infrastructure Fund to improve two A249 junctions west of Sittingbourne - A249 Key Street and A249 Grovehurst Road.

Our aim was to improve the junction for better walking and cycling options as well as relocating the existing A249 southbound entry slip lane to improve roundabout capacity.

What has changed

Improvements to Key Street roundabout included:

the closure of the existing A249 southbound exit slip road and the redirection of southbound traffic along Chestnut Street
the addition of a lane at the Chestnut Street roundabout arm
an additional left turn lane on the A2 Key Street arm approach
various capacity and safety improvements to the Keycol Hill arm
the installation of a new toucan crossing on the Sheppey Way roundabout arm to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

Why we made changes

The improvement scheme increased the road network's capacity. It also provided the infrastructure for the housing plans in Swale's Local Plan. The housing plans are for 4,628 new homes on the A249 corridor, from the M2 junction to the Isle of Sheppey.

Latest updates

Landscaping works will be ongoing throughout the year, with activities scheduled in line with seasonal requirements to ensure the best conditions for planting and establishment. This may mean that certain works take place at different times of the year to align with appropriate weather and environmental conditions.

To keep you up to date with the latest changes, we will:

send monthly newsletters and emails to stakeholders
take part in drop-in sessions
update our webpage with the latest progress
send advanced notices of traffic managements as soon as we can.

Interested in receiving our newsletter and traffic management information? Email KeyStreet@jackson-civils.co.uk and we'll add you to our stakeholder mailing list.

Delays to the scheme works

During the planning of this scheme, it was never intended to happen at the same time as Grovehurst scheme. Unfortunately, the start of the Grovehurst scheme was delayed by 12 months. This was due to ongoing works at the Stockbury Roundabout (M2 Junction 5) by National Highways.

Due to the funding deadline of Grovehurst and Key Street set by Homes England, the works overlapped.

Timescales

Key dates for Key Street:

detailed design documents issued - completed May 2023
procurement - winter 2023
construction of Chestnut Street roundabout providing access to the Wises Lane development (by others) - July 2024 to January 2025
contract award - completed October 2024
next stage of site clearance - completed October 2024
commence works - 27 January 2025
works completed - winter 2025/26.

Newsletters

Other information about the scheme

Air pollution

The work on Key Street junction will reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Jackson, who is the contractor for the works, is playing its part in reducing air pollution by working within the requirements of the Considerate Constructors Scheme. Swale Borough Council is responsible for locating, monitoring, and helping to improve air quality in Swale. To find out more visit the Swale Borough Council website.

Removal of trees

To make space for the new roadwork, we had to remove some trees. The trees were removed under a Natural England Dormouse licence. An ecologist was present to watch for any issues. Additional dormouse habitats will be provided and improvements will be made to the retained habitat.

Formal decision

The approval to progress the scheme was taken by us on 27 April 2020.

Traffic data

We have designed the scheme improvements with predicted traffic flow up to 2037. This includes any developments in the Swale Local Plan.

The cost

The £38.6m scheme cost for both Key Street and Grovehurst Road was funded by £38.1 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund Grant along with £500,000 of developer contributions.

Scheme documents

Media releases

22 November 2024 - Date set for the A249 Key Street junction works