Construction Advances on £61m Sturry Link Road Following Major Funding Package

Work is continuing on the £61 million Sturry Link Road scheme in Kent, a major infrastructure project designed to tackle long-standing congestion issues around Canterbury while supporting future housing and economic growth in the area.

Contractor VolkerFitzpatrick is delivering the project on behalf of Kent County Council (KCC), with construction now progressing following the start of works earlier this year.

New Route to Bypass Congestion Hotspots

The Sturry Link Road will create a new connection between the A28 and the A291, providing motorists with an alternative route around one of the area's most significant traffic bottlenecks.

A key objective of the scheme is to reduce pressure on the heavily congested Sturry Level Crossing and the nearby Island Road junction, both of which have been sources of delays for residents, commuters and businesses for many years.

Once completed, the new route is expected to improve journey reliability, ease traffic queues and strengthen transport links across the eastern side of Canterbury.

Major Engineering Elements Included

At the heart of the project is the construction of a substantial new viaduct spanning the River Stour, its floodplain and the adjacent railway corridor.

The scheme also includes the creation of new roundabouts at both ends of the route, providing connections to a future east-west transport corridor north of the railway line that will eventually link Sturry Hill with Shalloak Road.

These improvements are intended to create a more resilient transport network capable of supporting future development in the region.

Homes England Funding Unlocks Progress

A significant boost for the project came in March when Kent County Council secured £48.5 million in funding from Homes England.

The investment is intended to help unlock housing delivery and support wider economic growth by ensuring essential transport infrastructure is in place ahead of future development.

Representatives from Kent County Council recently visited the construction site alongside the VolkerFitzpatrick project team to review progress and discuss the next stages of delivery.

Supporting Housing and Economic Growth

The Sturry Link Road is viewed as a critical enabling project for planned residential growth in Sturry, Broad Oak and surrounding communities.

Local leaders believe the improved transport infrastructure will not only reduce congestion but also support new housing, improve access to employment opportunities and strengthen connections between local communities and Canterbury city centre.

Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Peter Osborne, described the project as a major investment that will help deliver the infrastructure needed to support both existing residents and future development.

Focus on Sustainable Travel

Alongside improvements for motorists, the scheme incorporates several measures designed to encourage sustainable transport and improve road safety.

These include:

• A shared footway and cycleway

• New pedestrian crossing facilities

• Dedicated road lighting

• A southbound bus lane providing improved public transport access towards Canterbury

The inclusion of active travel infrastructure reflects wider efforts to encourage more sustainable transport choices while improving accessibility for local residents.

Long-Term Benefits for the Region

VolkerFitzpatrick says the project will provide lasting benefits for communities across the area by reducing delays, improving connectivity and supporting future growth.

The contractor believes the new route will play an important role in modernising local infrastructure while helping accommodate increasing travel demand and planned development.

With construction now underway and funding secured, the Sturry Link Road is expected to become a key piece of transport infrastructure for East Kent, delivering both immediate congestion relief and long-term economic benefits for the region.