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Kent County Council releases plans for Fastrack contraflow bus lane through Bath Street, Gravesend

16:36, 12 January 2022

updated: 13:54, 13 January 2022

Multi-million pound plans for a contraflow bus lane through a town centre have been put forward.

Th project will form part of a £5 million Fastrack programme across Dartford, Gravesham and Ebbsfleet to improve the area's transport network.

Artist impressions of the proposed layout. Picture: KCC
Artist impressions of the proposed layout. Picture: KCC

The proposal for a new contraflow bus lane by Kent County Council (KCC) will link between the Northfleet Embankment East development and Gravesend town centre.

A lane will be constructed between the existing taxi lane and one-way traffic on the opposite side of Bath Street, Gravesend, to help reduce congestion.

The scheme will make use of under-utilised hatched road space to widen the existing carriageway to incorporate a south-bound bus lane which will connect to West Street and the new bus hub in Garrick Street.

In a council report, it states the existing north-bound traffic lanes and south-bound taxi lane will remain, with only minor changes to kerb alignment.

Taxi drivers will now be able to exit the queuing system by pulling into the new lane before turning into New Road which was not possible before.

A new taxi call forward system will also be implemented using traffic lights and detectors in the surface of the taxi rank which will turn a signal green when a space becomes free so vehicles can queue efficiently.

Artist impressions of the proposed layout. Picture: KCC
Artist impressions of the proposed layout. Picture: KCC

This will stop them queuing round the corner of the road as the taxi and bus lanes will merge.

The council has also proposed upgrading the existing toucan crossing to current standards to improve accessibility for both pedestrians and cyclists.

A crossing will also be repositioned so it is closer to the junction of New Road and Bath Street.

Artist impression of the improved pedestrian crossings. Picture: KCC
Artist impression of the improved pedestrian crossings. Picture: KCC

It is hoped the overall Fastrack scheme will improve journey times and add bus stops for new developments making Gravesham more accessible.

KCC is accepting questions, comments or suggestions on the scheme from residents to help inform more detailed designs until Monday, January 17.

You can do so via email at bathstreetfastrack@kent.gov.uk or by phone call on 03000 418181.

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