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Update issued on £5m A20 Coldharbour Roundabout revamp in Maidstone

14:08, 13 June 2024

The contractor working on a £5m roundabout upgrade has announced the upcoming dates it is set to be closed.

Breheny is working to make the A20 Coldharbour Roundabout in Maidstone larger, with the addition of give way lines.

New drone pictures show the progress of the Coldharbour Roundabout revamp in Maidstone. Picture: Simon Ratcliff
New drone pictures show the progress of the Coldharbour Roundabout revamp in Maidstone. Picture: Simon Ratcliff

Kent County Council (KCC) says it will help reduce congestion in the area and boost air quality.

Over the past month, the traffic lights on the roundabout have been completely removed, along with the existing footpath.

New drainage has been put in which is set to reduce the threat of flooding.

However, this meant the existing foliage couldn't be retained.

Kerbs have been added and construction has started on a new footpath. Last Saturday (June 8), the concrete barrier on the roundabout was removed.

Resurfacing will soon begin in the “offline west” area, which will become part of the new roundabout
Resurfacing will soon begin in the “offline west” area, which will become part of the new roundabout

It was originally installed to separate workers from the road and allow construction to take place without having to close lanes.

Since Tuesday, May 28, Coldharbour Lane has been shut between 8pm and 6am.

Workers have been widening the road to the east. Motorists are still being diverted along the M20 to avoid Junction 5 for the Aylesford Interchange.

This work is set to continue until this Saturday (June 15).

A spokesperson said: “The overnight closures are required to try and minimise disruption during the day.

One month on – Coldharbour Roundabout captured on March 20 and May 20. Picture: Simon Ratcliff

“The closures are to allow for many different works to be undertaken, including the installation of deep drainage crossings, site clearance works, the removal of the existing splitter islands and the installation of more kerbs, drainage and edgings.”

The eastbound carriageway between Hermitage Lane and the roundabout has also been shut to allow for a new service connection to be installed.

Engineers from UK Power Networks (UKPN) started on Monday (June 10).

It is set to go on for approximately three weeks – until Tuesday, July 2.

Electrical works by UKPN along the A20 London Road have been causing delays. Picture: KCC Highways
Electrical works by UKPN along the A20 London Road have been causing delays. Picture: KCC Highways

The roadworks have already been causing long delays for motorists, with reports of queues of up to 25 minutes along Hermitage Lane.

Next Monday (June 17), the first major resurfacing will begin on the “offline west” area – located to the left of those travelling from London Road.

This will eventually form part of the new roundabout. Lighting columns are also set to be installed during this time.

From Tuesday, June 25 to Wednesday, June 26, the first full closure will take place between 8pm and 6am.

Cars on the roundabout used to be controlled by traffic lights. Picture: KCC
Cars on the roundabout used to be controlled by traffic lights. Picture: KCC

KCC has told drivers diversions will be displayed via electronic signs on all approaches.

Next month, another full closure is set to take place for more than two weeks.

Between Monday, July 22 and Saturday, August 10 the roundabout will be closed again overnight.

The project is expected to be finished by mid-December.

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