Kent County Council (KCC) has come out of the blocks early with funding bids for two 'high priority road schemes' through the Government's newly launched Structures Fund this year.
The first is the A226 Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe, which aims to reinstate a major connection between Gravesend and Dartford, severed by a cliff collapse in April 2023. The council has asked for between £40.6m and £46.3m from the Structures Fund to deliver the project and restore a previously cut-off route.
Kent CC said that national funding would be 'essential to deliver a permanent solution to help to reconnect local communities'.
The second bid focuses on the A299 between Whitstable and Ramsgate, a strategically important route serving east Kent. Kent CC has asked for around £63m to support this scheme.
The project would address 'safety critical issues including the refurbishment of two tunnels, repairs to four overbridges affected by ground movement, and deeper reconstruction of sections of the carriageway,' the council said.
If successful, the investment would help remove the current 50mph speed restriction, reduce the risk of further unplanned closures caused by ageing tunnel safety equipment, and prevent potential closures of both the A299 and routes crossing the A299 due to deteriorating tunnels, bridges and embankments, it added.
Peter Osborne, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: 'We know how important these roads are to the people who use them every day – whether that's getting to work, running a business or staying connected with family and friends.
'This funding would help us fix long standing problems, prevent future closures and give local communities the confidence that these routes are safe and reliable for the long term. We have made a strong case for the funding, and I hope the government sees just how important this is for communities in Kent.'
Both schemes will now be assessed as part of the Government's Structures Fund process, with final business case details submitted later this year.
