A249 Maidstone-bound closed from Stockbury roundabout to Church Hill, with no access to the A249 from Oad Street or South Green Lane
Motorists face several weeks of disruption after a motorway slip road closed today.
The M2 junction five London-bound exit slip at Stockbury[1] has shut for five weeks.
The closure is part of the flyover project. Picture: National Highways
This will mean the A249 Maidstone-bound will be closed from the Stockbury roundabout to Church Hill, with no access to the A249 from Oad Street or South Green Lane.
A resident of Stockbury village has shared the “horrific” impact the flyover project has had on her and her family, describing it as a “nightmare”.
Others have called the work a “major blow” for business.
Those living and working in the area have endured almost three years of roadworks and regular closures as a result of the flyover project.
Since the project began, one resident, who does not want to be named, has described the “hell” of continuous digging, persistent dust and air pollution, and times when it felt like her house was collapsing.
She said: “No one has any idea of what it is like to live with roadworks every day.”
Anne Southern, pub board member and chairman of Stockbury Parish Council
Members of Stockbury’s community-owned pub, The Harrow, have shared concern over the closure. Photo: Anne Southern
As a result of the flyover project, the grandmother – who does not have a car – has said she feels housebound due to the removal of the bus stop and the difficulty taxis face getting to her home.
“I feel like a prisoner sometimes,” she added.
The woman lives within the new closure area, and has been given an escort pass to allow her to enter or leave the restricted carriageway.
She added: “I am looking forward to the final outcome of the work as things will be much better.”
Anne Southern, committee member for Stockbury’s community-owned pub, The Harrow, has also shared concern about the impact of “yet another major road closure”.
She said: “It’s feared that the already struggling businesses, after nearly three years of the roadworks and regular closures, will not be able to survive if it’s difficult to access the village for the whole five-week period of this major road closure.”
Mrs Southern said she feared existing customers, having gone elsewhere during the disruption, may never come back.
She added: “It’s a major blow but we are still open for business, so, notwithstanding the diversions to get here, please do come and support us.”
The closures will also make it difficult for those in Sittingbourne and Sheppey to get to Maidstone.
Bus company Stagecoach, which serves passengers in Stockbury, say the closures present a “complex challenge” to its ability to provide a bus service.
Stagecoach will divert the X3 service along the M2, A229 (Blue Bell Hill) and M20 into Maidstone.
Those catching the morning bus in Detling village will need to board the bus from the road opposite the usual bus stop.
People coming from Faversham will not be able to get on the A249 and will face a diversion all the way to Blue Bell Hill.
A signed diversion will be in place via the M2, A229, M20 and A249. For non-motorway traffic, drivers can use the A249, A2, A229, A249.
To leave the M2 London-bound and join the A249 towards Sheppey, stay on the M2 to Junction 4 and return to Junction 5 on the coastbound carriageway.
For properties with direct access from the A249 between the Stockbury roundabout and Church Hill, use Pett Lane/Road and South Green Lane to access and leave the properties. There will be no access to the A249 southbound from the Stockbury roundabout.
National Highways said: “We want to assure you that our project team is committed to minimising disruption during the essential upgrades to the busy junction.
“Although road closures are necessary due to the nature of the work on the existing carriageway, we’ve collaborated with Kent County Council and emergency services to develop a solution prioritising safety while minimising impact on local businesses and the public.
“Throughout the five-week closure, the entrance to Stockbury village via Church Hill on the northbound A249 will be maintained, except for a few overnight closures.
“Larger vehicles, including HGVs and buses, will have an escorted exit via Church Hill to avoid less suitable roads.
“We value our partnership with Stockbury Parish Council and local businesses, and we are committed to working closely with them to mitigate any impact from our ongoing works. The safety of the public and our workforce remains our top priority.”