Wheatsheaf junction

In September 2023, Cranborne Avenue was shut as part of a trial linked to the proposed Wheatsheaf Improvement Scheme. Following a review, the results showed that closing the road delivered many of the traffic benefits expected from the wider scheme. These findings were reported to the Maidstone Joint Transportation Board.

Because the closure had delivered substantial traffic benefits, a decision was made to keep Cranborne Avenue permanently closed. With the improved capacity, the larger Wheatsheaf scheme does not offer value for money and will not be pursued.

Smaller improvements are still planned. These include moving the stop line on the southbound approach to the traffic lights. These works are currently being scheduled and are expected to be completed during 2026.

For further information on the scheme, including its history, development, and funding, please refer to the latest Maidstone Joint Transportation Board report.