A new flyover has opened on the A249 in Kent today (July 11).

National Highways’ M2 Junction 5 Project reached a milestone as a new flyover on the A249 has welcomed its first vehicles.

The M2 Junction 5 improvements will transform the junction, one of the busiest in the region with large queues and heavy congestion.

The flyover, which passes over the Stockbury Roundabout, will allow traffic to flow without restrictions, reducing delays and improving safety.   

(Image: National Highways)

The work was finished ahead of the summer holidays, ensuring "smoother journeys" through the area.

To mark the milestone, some residents were the first to use the flyover, joined by National Highways’ Executive Director of Major Projects, Nicola Bell, and Project Manager, Daniel Rollinson.

National Highways’ Project Manager, Daniel Rollinson, said: “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 ongoing patience.”

Local businessman Matt Barnes has been running a popular social media group and providing updates on the scheme and was one of the first to use the flyover.

Matt said: “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 also welcomed the improvement scheme which will help reduce travel time to the hospital with his son, George.

Dan said: “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 opening of the Oad Street link Stockbroker Roundabout and the A249 southbound lane was completed ahead of schedule.

The next stage of the work will focus on finishing South Green link road and installing fencing. 

The scheme was granted permission by the Secretary of State for Transport in June 2021 and works will continue into the winter as the project aims to be complete in 2025.

Some overnight closures are still planned on the A249 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, and for northbound traffic on Friday morning.

Other lanes will open in the coming weeks.