Brenley Corner: Traffic lights plan
12:00, 17 May 2016
Road bosses will install two new sets of traffic lights at the snarled-up junction of Brenley Corner, we can reveal today.
With rush-hour drivers still suffering long delays on a daily basis at the roundabout near Faversham, Highways England say they are working on plans for additional lights.
Operations director Mike Wilson said the works will provide "significant improvement" to the junction but they will be reviewing the options for a longer-term solution.
In a letter to MP Helen Whately, Mr Wilson says: "I am pleased to say that we have been reviewing options for improvements at Brenley Corner.
"This involves considering the installation of traffic signals on the A2 London-bound approach to the junction and on the circulatory carriageway prior to the A2 Canterbury off-slip.
"The proposals also include facilities to aid pedestrians, and to optimise signal timings to reduce queuing during peak hours."
The design for the work will be carried out during this financial year 2016/17, with construction planned for 2017/18.
Mrs Whately has been campaigning for a better system at Brenley Corner since she was elected last year and she has welcomed today's news.
She said: "I’m glad that new lights and improved signalling are on the way – this will be warmly welcomed by drivers and pedestrians.
"But there’s more to be done. I want them to commit to a complete overhaul of Brenley Corner and an upgrade for Kent’s roads.
"With all the new houses and commercial development planned for the area, this is getting urgent."
There are almost 1,000 homes proposed or approved in the Faversham area, adding even more cars to the roads.
In a document submitted during the consultation for one 300-home development, Highways England’s Keith Jacobs admitted it would have an “adverse affect” on the traffic at Brenley Corner and that it already operated "at capacity" during peak hours.
Mr Wilson added: "The process of development of the scheme will include appropriate levels of consultation and notifications as the scheme progresses.
"I hope I have been able to reassure you and your constituents that we are working intensely to improve our network."
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