National Highways has reached a significant milestone with the opening of a new flyover on the A249 as part of the M2 Junction 5 Project. This project, one of the busiest in the region, aims to alleviate large queues and heavy congestion at the junction.
The newly opened flyover, which passes over the Stockbury Roundabout, allows traffic to flow without restrictions, thereby reducing delays and improving safety. The completion of this phase comes ahead of the summer holidays, ensuring smoother journeys through the area.
To mark the occasion, local residents were among the first to use the flyover. They were joined by National Highways’ Executive Director of Major Projects, Nicola Bell, and Project Manager, Daniel Rollinson.
National Highways’ Project Manager, Daniel Rollinson, commented: “We are pleased to celebrate this significant milestone on the M2J5 improvement scheme, as the first members of the public cross this new flyover today. I want to thank everyone who has helped us get to this point as we make these essential upgrades that will allow for quicker, smoother, and safer journeys. There are still works to be done which will require closures as we work towards completion this winter, and I thank the public for their ongoing patience.”
Local businessman Matt Barnes, who has been running a popular social media group providing updates on the scheme, was one of the first to use the flyover.
Matt Barnes stated: “National Highways and the contractor GRAHAM have been extremely professional in both keeping traffic flowing and providing me with information to share with the local community. It’s a real privilege to be one of the first over the new flyover – which, once fully open, will help ease congestion and improve journey times for the thousands of drivers who use this road every day.”
Kemsley resident Dan Collison, who regularly travels to the hospital with his son, George, also welcomed the improvement.
Dan Collison shared: “George was born 18 months ago with Down syndrome and has had numerous appointments, especially during his first year. On several occasions, we needed an ambulance, and we were always worried about how quickly they could reach us. This new flyover will benefit not only our family but also many others commuting and attending regular appointments in Medway, Maidstone, and other areas outside of the A249.
Earlier this year, the Oad Street link to the Stockbury Roundabout and the A249 southbound lane were completed ahead of schedule. The next phase of the work will focus on finishing the South Green link road and installing fencing.
The scheme was granted permission by the Secretary of State for Transport in June 2021, with works set to continue into the winter aiming for project completion in 2025. Some overnight closures are planned this week to allow the team to paint new road markings. From July 11, a lane will be open on the flyover for southbound traffic, with northbound traffic to follow on Friday morning. Other lanes will open in the coming weeks.
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