Kent County Council has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick to design and build a highway crossing over a rail line and river near Canterbury.
The £34m Sturry Link Road project, funded through the Local Growth Fund, will divert traffic on the A28 away from the existing level crossing, one of Kent’s most heavily congested areas. It will also support over 16,000 new homes.
VolkerFitzpatrick will construct a 550-metre long road, with a 250-metre viaduct to be built over the Great Stour River, its flood plain, and the railway line from Canterbury to Ramsgate.
The viaduct will be a five-span structure, with the longest span distance being 56 metres, and will include a dedicated bus lane and multi-user footway.
VolkerFitzpatrick will also deliver a new roundabout and approach roads to connect to the bridge.
The project will also install pedestrian crossing points, new street lighting, environmental mitigation works, drainage and ponds.
The council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Neil Baker said: ‘The new route will allow traffic to avoid the level crossing and support planned development, while helping to keep this part of Kent moving safely.’
VolkerFitzpatrick said it is working closely with the council to ensure that the A28 will remain open for most of the project.
The new roundabout is being built offline and will be installed towards the end of the works.
Construction is scheduled to commence next year and is expected to be complete in winter 2026.
Deon Scholtz, divisional director of infrastructure at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: ‘Our meticulous planning and steadfast commitment are laying the foundation for a more vibrant and connected future between Canterbury and Sturry.’
