Dover council release first images of new bridge over A2 in Whitfield as it is lifted into place
19:16, 15 July 2023
updated: 19:59, 15 July 2023
The first images of a new flyover which will form a key part of a £34m all-electric rapid bus service have emerged.
Dover District Council has today released a series of snaps showing the new bridge being built at Whitfield.
Once complete, it will serve the new Dover Fastrack electric bus service, pedestrians and bicycles – but no cars.
Situated next to the Tesco car park, the flyover will cross the A2 and is between the Whitfield Roundabout and the A256 turn-off. The top of the bridge was placed yesterday as a section of the A2 is closed until Monday.
Publishing the first pictures on social media today, a Dover District Council spokesman said the beams are now in place.
“Works continue all weekend so the A2 remains closed from the Whitfield roundabout to the A256 junction until 5am on Monday.
“A short diversion route is in place via Honeywood Road and Honeywood Parkway.
“Thanks for your patience whilst a short stretch of the A2 at Whitfield remains closed this weekend for the installation of a new bridge.”
A date has not yet been confirmed when the bridge will be complete, however, a new link road will be built from the B&Q roundabout in Whitfield to Dover Road at Guston. for buses, bicycles and pedestrians only.
This buses will become the county’s first zero emission service and its second ever Fastrack - the Kent Thameside buses in Dartford and Gravesham began in March 2006.
Eventually, Fastrack will go from Whitfield to Dover Priory railway station via the town centre, Castle and Burgoyne Heights estate,
Its main purposes are to encourage more people onto public transport in general and provide a direct link to the HS1 fast rail service to London from Dover Priory.
But the service is also a key aid to the massive growth of Whitfield as a place to live and work.
Here is everything you need to know about the bus service, including the route and who is stumping up the cash.
The latest pictures show a large crane placing the top of the bridge onto the beams this morning, as workers prepare to build install various fittings and fixtures.
