The four-month closure of two important slip roads connecting the M2 and the A249 has been extended, with reopening now scheduled for Monday, January 23. This marks a delay of 10 days beyond the original reopening date promised by National Highways.
Last week, National Highways had confidently stated that recent snowy weather would not affect the reopening, targeting January 13 as the completion date. However, just days later, the organisation confirmed that the reopening would be postponed.
A National Highways spokesman explained, “We’re making good progress with the new coastbound slip roads. Unfortunately, due to the recent weather, we’ve been unable to complete the final surfacing and white lining as planned.”
He continued, “This means the slip roads need to stay closed a little longer. We’re now planning to reopen by January 23, weather permitting.”
Additional weekend road closures are planned on the A249 Sheppey-bound carriageway, which will be closed from 8pm on Fridays to 5am on Mondays over multiple weekends starting January 13 through to March 3. Simultaneous lane closures will also affect the Maidstone-bound A249 between Bobbing and Stockbury roundabout.
Drivers travelling towards Sheppey from Stockbury will be diverted via Maidstone Road, Chestnut Street, and Sheppey Way during these closures.
Despite the delays, National Highways has completed the widening of the £92 million Stockbury flyover that links the A249 to the M2 at junction 5. A spokesperson said, “We appreciate these roadworks may cause delays and thank everyone for their patience during this vital upgrade. The project’s completion date remains on track despite weather setbacks.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
