Public consultation into Blue Bell Hill scheme

The planned improvements will cost £250m

A new public consultation into plans to improve the A229 at Blue Bell Hill has been launched.

Kent County Council (KCC) said the road, which links Maidstone and the Medway towns, was "one of the county's worst roads" in terms of congestion and road safety.

It has put together a scheme based on a previous consultation in 2020.

The authority said it wanted the work to be carried out ahead of the potential opening of the Lower Thames Crossing, still yet to be confirmed by the government.

The improvements would include widening the A229 to three lanes Maidstone-bound between the Lord Lees and Cobtree roundabouts and enlarging the Running Horse roundabout.

Earlier in January it was announced the cost had risen from £202 to £250m, with KCC hoping the government will cover up to 85% of the cost.

If the funding is found, work could start in 2029 and be completed by 2031.

A final decision on whether to go ahead with the Lower Thames Crossing has been delayed until May.

The council says the improvements are vital if the Lower Thames Crossing goes ahead

Cabinet member for highways and transport Neil Baker said: "Anyone who has driven on Blue Bell Hill knows that changes need to be made, particularly with the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.

"We are bringing this preferred proposal forward in the hope that it will see improvements to Blue Bell Hill that will make it safer and more reliable for the people of Kent."

The consultation is open until 17 March, and people can take part here.