Coldharbour Roundabout

This delivery of this scheme will be coordinated with the delivery of the A20 London Road Aylesford scheme. Construction of the Coldharbour Roundabout scheme is due to begin in autumn 2023

This scheme will enlarge the roundabout to allow 3 lanes to go around the roundabout. The traffic signals are to be completely removed with give way lines to indicate entry to the roundabout. A new access is being provided from the northbound carriageway of Coldharbour Lane

The scheme is expected to improve capacity of the Coldharbour Roundabout by 60% in the morning peak period and 40% in the evening peak period.

A recent survey showed that the trees on the roundabout are not in good condition therefore we are working with local councillors on landscaping proposals, which will include a memorial feature for World War One.

Changes to the Coldharbour Roundabout were consulted on as part of the Keep Maidstone Moving schemes, designed to reduce congestion, travel times and pollution in Maidstone.

Scheme costs

Due to their proximity, both the Coldharbour Roundabout scheme and Hall Road scheme will be combined and let as a single construction contract. The total cost of both schemes is £5.5million, with the LGF allocation funding £4.2million and Developer Contributions providing a further £1.3million.

Coldharbour Road is part of the wider Maidstone Integrated Transport Package. The MITP is a wider package of highway schemes expected to cost £13.9 million in total, of which £8.9 million has been secured from the Local Growth Fund obtained from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. The remaining costs will be funded by Section 106 developer contributions from nearby housing developments.

Considerable growth is planned in this area, including the 'Whitepost Fields' development, which will increase congestion between Maidstone and Ditton. Improvements are needed to the roundabout to reduce congestion, improve journey times and support the M20 smart motorway.

Scheme objectives

The scheme objectives are to improve:

  • the efficiency of the roundabout thereby relieving congestion
  • journey times and the reliability of journey times for those travelling through the roundabout
  • air quality in the area
  • access to the 20-20 Business Park and South Aylesford Retail Park
  • the capacity on the road network to accommodate further development.

Formal decision

The approval to progress the scheme was taken by Kent County Council on 16 October 2019.

The decision by the SELEP Accountability Board to grant Local Growth Funding for the MITP was made on the 15 June 2018.

The Coldharbour Roundabout scheme is due to start construction in autumn 2023 with the A20 London Road Aylesford scheme following on, with an anticipated start during summer 2024. The combined construction phase for both projects is 18 months with completion of the A20 London Road Aylesford scheme forecasted for spring 2025.

Forecasted timescales

  • outline design: completed
  • detailed design: completed
  • construction begins: autumn 2023
  • project completed: summer 2024

For further information email A20ColdharbourRoundabout@kent.gov.uk.

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.