Balfour Beatty awarded A21 dualling scheme

The dualling of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury moved a step closer today (Friday 11 July) with the appointment of Balfour Beatty as the contractor.

The £69.7 million scheme, will see a 2.5 mile section of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury in Kent upgraded from single to dual carriageway, adding a lane in each direction, upgrading junctions and improving the road layout.

Advance work is expected to start this autumn with main construction starting in spring 2015.

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Additional capacity on roads is vital for the four million drivers that use our motorways and major trunk roads each day. This will boost the local economy and is part of the government’s biggest programme of road enhancements since the 1970s.”

Highways Agency project manager Graham Link said: “This scheme will improve journeys on the A21 by reducing congestion and improving safety for the 35,200 drivers that use this section each day. The A21 is a vital link between London and Hastings as well as connecting local towns. Providing better infrastructure will help the local and national economy, helping to support businesses and creating jobs.”

Stephen Tarr, Balfour Beatty managing director for major projects, added: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to upgrade the A21. Balfour Beatty has a strong track record of delivering major road schemes, both nationally and in the region, on time and to budget.   Our commitment to building sustainably, engaging with local stakeholders and employing a local supply chain is key to our success and we aim to leave a lasting legacy as a thoughtful contractor behind us.”

Today’s announcement follows successful completion of all the statutory planning procedures, which means that no further legal objections can be made.