Start of work has been confirmed for a scheme in Kent to provide vital extra capacity on a section of the A21, it was revealed on Thursday.

The decision will result in a 4km section of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury being upgraded from single to dual carriageway, with a lane added in each direction.
Local MP for Tunbridge Wells Greg Clark said: "This stretch of road is notorious across the South East for its tailbacks, as well as being one of the worst accidents black spots in the country.

“This is the news that everyone has been waiting for; victory in our campaign to get the dualling of the A21 approved,” he added.

The scheme will also see the upgrade of junctions as well as improvements to the road layout. Segregated access roads will be provided for existing properties, with the installation of a separate footpath/cycle way throughout the length of the scheme.

Highways Agency project manager Graham Link said: “The A21 is a vital route linking the Tonbridge/Tunbridge Wells and Hastings/Bexhill areas to the M25 and London. The new section will provide much needed capacity to reduce congestion and will also improve safety.”

Advance work could start in autumn 2014 with main construction as early as spring 2015.

• The Highways Agency has also announced that advance work will begin soon on a scheme to connect the A5 north of Dunstable and the M1 via a two lane dual carriageway link road. The Dunstable Northern Bypass will see utility companies start work on 27 May to divert some key infrastructure in preparation for the main construction of the link road and a new Junction 11a.

Photo: Highways Authority

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