Expressions of interest are invited from highway contractors to dual the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury in Kent.

Go ahead for the project has not yet been granted, but the Highways Agency is keen to start the process of prequalification now so that everything is in place prior to an announcement being made.

The project involves upgrading the A21 to dual two lane carriageway over a 4km length that broadly follows the current alignment. Two new grade separated junctions are proposed.

Segregated access roads will give access to existing properties and a separate footpath and cycleway is to be provided along the length of the scheme. Cost of the project is likely to be between £57M and £72M.

"We have issued the notice now in order to meet the programme schedule to start construction in 2015,” a Highways Agency spokesman said. "Following conclusion of the recent Public Inquiry, we expect the Inspector's report and the Secretary of State's decision to be published at the end of this year or early in 2014.”

Upgrading the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury was one of several schemes highlighted by the Treasury in its ‘Investing in Britain’s future’ report last month.

This stretch of road was criticised this spring by a Coroner following the death of a young motorist whose vehicle left a bend and struck nearby trees. Poor highway condition was to blame.

(Photo: Highways Agency)

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