The A249 Bearsted Road forms part of the key route to accommodate traffic for Maidstone town centre, whilst forming a vital link between residential areas, local schools and businesses.
The Improvement Scheme aims to ease congestion, reduce idling traffic, improve traffic flow and accommodate increased trips associated with the growth at the Kent Medical Campus, Eclipse Park and developments in the town centre and south Maidstone. The increased capacity will also make it easier to carry out future routine maintenance with significantly less disruption to the travelling public.
Breheny Civil Engineering is delivering the project on behalf of Kent County Council. Work started in August 2025 with a scheduled duration of 15 months, taking the works through to early 2027.
The improvement works comprise the following:
The scheme has been designed to allow much of the work, such as the retaining walls and northern carriageway to be carried out offline. The additional carriageway can then be used to carry traffic whilst work is undertaken on the existing road, maintaining the current road capacity for long periods during the works.
Temporary traffic signals will be required at times, particularly where drainage and utility ducts need to cross existing traffic lanes, but these will be kept to a minimum.
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) will be in place to allow for various road closures throughout the works. Most road closures will take place overnight to minimise disruption, although Bearsted Road from the New Cut Road roundabout through to Hockers Lane will need to close for a period to enable Openreach to complete ducting and cabling links.
All major traffic management changes and road closures will be clearly advertised in advance, and details published on this website.
Updates on the works will be provided via this website and also via email to those who have registered.
If you have any questions or comments about the scheme, please feel free to contact us via email: bearstedroad@breheny.co.uk
Click here to view the plans in the PDF format
Please register your contact details with us if you would like to be kept informed via email about the A249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme.
Please find below a link to a leaflet regarding the Traffic Switch taking place on 18 September, providing details of the scheme and forthcoming works.
Please find below a brief update on necessary trenching works taking place this week along Bearsted Road:
Location: Bearsted Road, between the A249/Next roundabout and the KIMS Hospital/New Cut Road roundabout.
When are we doing it? Monday 24 August to Friday 28 August, during off-peak daytime hours (09:00-15:00).
What will you see? Initially, trenching works will take place within the grass verge on the crematorium side of Bearsted Road, near the bus stop and approach to the roundabout. No lane closure will be required at this stage as there is enough space to work safely due to the grass verge being wider.
From Wednesday 26 August to Friday 28 August, a single lane closure with two-way traffic lights will be in place along Bearsted Road while the trenching works are carried out to enable safe working space due to the grass merge being much narrower, and therefore closer to the road. Traffic will be temporarily held in one direction while vehicles travelling in the opposite direction pass through the works area. Please see the image below to visualise where the lane closure will be.
Why are we doing the works? The trenching works are required to install the ducting infrastructure as part of the ongoing Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme.
How are we minimising disruption? The works have been planned in stages to minimise the impact on traffic. The lane closure will only be required where necessary, with two-way traffic maintained throughout the works.

Please find below a link to the July Community Leaflet providing details of the scheme and forthcoming works.
As part of our commitment to keeping stakeholders informed, please find the latest update regarding an upcoming pedestrian diversion and temporary night-time road closure.
These measures are required to safely complete works on Bearsted Road and around the adjoining roundabouts in preparation for the planned traffic switch, currently anticipated to take place at the end of September, subject to construction progress and any unforeseen circumstances.
The traffic switch will see vehicles re-aligned onto the newly constructed carriageway and pedestrians transferred onto the new footpaths along Bearsted Road and KIMS hospital roundabout.
1. Pedestrian Diversion (Bearsted/KIMS Hospital Roundabout)
Duration: From Thursday 30th July for the foreseeable future.
What will the diversion look like? Please refer to the attached drawing:
Bearsted Rd & KIMS Hospital Pedestrian Diversion Route
The blue line shows the pedestrian route. The diversion route will be fully signposted and barriered, with ramped access provided to ensure a safe and accessible route for all pedestrians.
How are we minimising disruption? Pedestrian access to all routes will remain throughout the works.
2. Temporary Night-Time Closure - Bearsted Road (East of the Bearsted/KIMS Hospital Roundabout) Duration: One week, from 3rd - 7th August (Monday to Friday, nights only).
What will the diversion look like? Please refer to the attached drawing:
Bearsted Road Closure 3-7th August Diversion Route
How are we minimising disruption? The closure will only be in place overnight between 8:00pm and 5:00am, with Bearsted Road reopening each morning. If the works are completed ahead of schedule, the road will be reopened earlier and local residents and businesses will be notified accordingly.
3. Temporary Night-Time Closure - Bearsted Road (between the A249 Roundabout and Bearsted Roundabouts)
Duration: One week, from 10th - 14th August (Monday to Friday, nights only).
Why are these works required? This closure is required to provide safe working space to complete surfacing of the new carriageway.
What will the diversion look like? Please refer to the attached drawing:
Bearsted Road Closure 10-14th August Diversion Route
How are we minimising disruption? The closure will only be in place overnight between 8:00pm and 5:00am, with Bearsted Road reopening each morning. If the works are completed ahead of schedule, the road will be reopened earlier and local residents and businesses will be notified accordingly.
As part of our commitment to keeping stakeholders informed, please find a brief update on the next phase of night works as part of the Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme.
Duration: Approximately four weeks, commencing Monday 13th July (Mon – Fri only).
Why are these works required? Following on from our recent night works, overnight lane closures will continue to support the next phase of the project. These works form part of the ongoing construction of the widened junctions, roundabouts and carriageway, which will increase capacity and improve traffic flow once the scheme is complete.
How are we minimising disruption? All roads will remain open throughout these works. Temporary lane closures will be in place overnight only, allowing traffic to continue flowing safely without the need for diversion routes.
With the current phase of night works progressing well, please find below details of the next three weeks of night works scheduled from Monday 22nd June to Friday 10th July. This forms part of our wider 6–8 week programme of overnight works.
While works are currently progressing as planned, future activities may be subject to change depending on site conditions, such as adverse weather and progress.
Working hours: Overnight, approximately 20:00–06:00 (Monday–Friday only)
What to Expect:
Lane Closures 22nd – 26th June: Night-time lane closures will be required in the vicinity of the A249/Next roundabout to facilitate the installation of ducting for traffic signal crossings and street lighting.
Traffic management arrangements will vary throughout the week depending on progress and the location of the works. Short diversion routes may be required at certain times, including via the KIMS roundabout, to safely maintain traffic flow around the works area.
Traffic will continue to be maintained through the area, with all temporary arrangements clearly signed on site.
Bearsted Road Closure (29th June – 10th July): From Monday 29th June to Friday 10th July, overnight road closures will be required on Bearsted Road between the A249/Next roundabout and the KIMS Hospital roundabout.
The road will be closed overnight only, Monday to Friday, and will reopen each morning. A signed diversion route will be in place throughout the closures, as shown in the below drawing: Bearsted Road Diversion Route.
The closure is required to allow the project team to safely excavate across the carriageway and install new ducts associated with the Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme.
A two-week period has been allowed within the programme to provide flexibility. However, based on current progress, we are hopeful that the works will be completed sooner. The road closure will be removed as soon as the works are complete and it is safe to do so.
How We Are Minimising Disruption: To minimise disruption to road users, all works have been scheduled overnight when traffic volumes are significantly lower. The works have also been carefully phased to reduce the extent and duration of traffic management required while maintaining traffic flow through the area wherever possible.
We would like to thank local residents, businesses and road users for their continued cooperation while these works are undertaken.
Following this week's planned night works, which remain on programme, please find below details of the next phase of night works scheduled for Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June.
This forms part of our wider 6–8 week programme of overnight works. Please note that dates and activities may be subject to change should unforeseen circumstances arise, including adverse weather conditions.
Working hours: Overnight, approximately 20:00–06:00
What to Expect: Night-time lane closures will continue to be required on the approaches to the A249/Next roundabout. Traffic will continue to be maintained through the works area using the remaining available lane(s):
Phase 3 (15–16 June): Lane closures will be in place on both the northbound and southbound approaches to the A249/Next roundabout to facilitate the completion of drainage crossings, duct installations and construction of a new manhole.
Phase 4 (17–18 June): Lane closures will be in place on the approaches to the A249/Next roundabout to facilitate the installation of traffic signal ducts beneath the carriageway. Works will be undertaken in two stages to minimise disruption.
Phase 5 (19 June): Lane closures will be required in the vicinity of the A249/Next roundabout to facilitate the installation of further traffic signal duct crossings. During these works, a short diversion route will be in place via the KIMS roundabout to allow traffic to bypass the works area before rejoining its original route. The diversion will be clearly signed on site.
Please refer to the attached traffic management drawings for further information regarding the location of the lane closures.
Why Are These Works Required? These works form part of the new drainage, utility and traffic signal infrastructure required for the Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme. The installations are necessary to support future phases of construction and the operation of the completed highway improvements.
How We Are Minimising Disruption: To minimise disruption to road users, the works have been scheduled overnight when traffic volumes are significantly lower. The works have also been carefully phased to reduce the extent and duration of traffic management required while maintaining traffic flow through the works area wherever possible.
Thank you for your continued understanding as we progress this phase of the scheme.
Download traffic management drawing phase 3
Download traffic management drawing phase 4a
Download traffic management drawing phase 4b
Download traffic management drawing phase 5
As part of the Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme, a programme of overnight works will be taking place over the coming 6–8 weeks, subject to progress and weather conditions. To help keep local residents, businesses and road users informed, we will be issuing a weekly update outlining the night-time works and associated traffic management planned for the following week.
Please find below details of the works scheduled for Monday 8 June to Friday 12 June:
Working hours: Overnight, approximately 20:00–06:00
What to Expect: Night-time lane closures will be required on the approaches to the A249/Next roundabout. The works will be undertaken in two phases and will primarily affect sections of the A249 adjacent to Next, Marks & Spencer and Newnham Court Shopping Village.
Phase 1 (8–9 June): Lane closures will be in place on the A249 southbound approach to the A249/Next roundabout. Two lanes will be closed to allow excavation and installation of new drainage and utility ducts across the carriageway. Traffic will continue to be maintained through the works area using the remaining open lane.
Phase 2 (10–12 June): Lane closures will be in place on both the A249 northbound approach from the A249/Next roundabout towards Junction 7 of the M20 and the A249 southbound approach towards the A249/Next roundabout. These works will facilitate the completion of drainage crossings, construction of a new manhole chamber and associated duct installations. Traffic will continue to be maintained through the works area in both directions using the remaining available lane(s).
Please refer to the attached traffic management drawings for further information regarding the location of the lane closures.
Why Are These Works Required? To facilitate the installation of new drainage and utility ducts spanning across the carriageway. These activities are necessary to connect the new highway drainage network and facilitate future stages of the project.
How We Are Minimising Disruption: To minimise disruption to road users, the works have been scheduled overnight when traffic volumes are significantly lower. The works have also been carefully phased to reduce the extent and duration of traffic management required while maintaining traffic flow through the works area wherever possible.
We recognise that these works may cause some inconvenience and would like to thank residents and road users for their understanding.
Download traffic management drawing 1
Download traffic management drawing 2
When: Friday 5 June 2026, 09:00–15:00
What to Expect: Lane closures will be in place in the vicinity of the A249/Next roundabout, as per the following:
Lane closure 1: Bearsted Road and A249 northbound carriageway, adjacent to Next and Marks & Spencer (shaded in red/ blue in the drawing below). The lane closure will start just before the entrance to Orida hotel, with road users still able to access the usual entrances to both the hotel and Eclipse Park.
Lane closure 2: Partial left-hand lane closure on the opposite side of the roundabout for those travelling towards Sittingbourne Rd/Penenden Heath Rd. The middle lane and right-hand lane will remain operational, enabling traffic flow to remain in all directions.
Why Are These Works Required? The trial holes are required to confirm the location and levels of existing drainage infrastructure within the carriageway. This information will enable the project team to finalise drainage connections ahead of upcoming planned night works and help ensure the new drainage can be installed safely and efficiently.
How We Are Minimising Disruption: To minimise disruption, the works have been scheduled during off-peak hours only (approximately 09:00–15:00), outside of peak commuter periods.
Please refer to the attached traffic management drawing for the exact location of the lane closures.
Download traffic management drawing
Please find below a link to the May Community Leaflet providing details of the scheme and forthcoming works.
Download May Community Leaflet
As part of the final phase of the UKPN utility diversion works associated with the Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme, temporary lane closures will be in place at the A249/Next roundabout for approximately two weeks from Tuesday 26th May.
These works will enable UKPN to complete the final stage of their power diversion works and switch over from the existing power supply to the new system. To safely undertake these works, trenches are required to be excavated adjacent to the carriageway in order to divert existing power cables.
Temporary traffic management will therefore be in place on the A249 southbound approach connecting to the A249/Next roundabout, where a partial left-hand lane and middle lane closure will be required, as shown on the attached traffic management drawing. However, two lanes will remain open at all times, allowing traffic to continue travelling through the roundabout in all directions.
There will also be a partial left-hand lane closure on Bearsted Road, on the approach to the roundabout, as shown shaded in blue/red on the drawing. The remaining two lanes will remain open as usual.
The works will take place during off-peak hours only (approximately 09:00–15:00, Monday to Friday) to help minimise disruption to road users.
We would like to thank local residents and road users for their continued patience while these works are completed.
Download traffic management drawing
Please find below a link to the latest Fortnightly Works Update providing details of forthcoming works.
Download Fortnightly Works Update
Duration: Thursday 9 April and Friday 10 April (overnight, approximately 8:00pm to 5:00am)
What to expect: Bearsted Road will be fully closed overnight between the KIMS roundabout and the A249 roundabout on both nights. A signed diversion route will be in place (refer to attached).
Why are these works required? These works are required to complete two critical duct crossings beneath Bearsted Road, which form part of the infrastructure needed for the new junction improvements.
Previously, these works could not be carried out due to Operation Brock being in place. Operation Brock is a traffic management system implemented by National Highways to manage traffic heading to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, and during this time Bearsted Road was required as a diversion route.
Now that these restrictions have been lifted, the works can proceed. A full road closure is required to safely carry out excavation across the carriageway and complete the works efficiently.
How are we minimising disruption? Works will be carried out overnight when traffic levels are lower. The closure is limited to two nights to complete the works as efficiently as possible and avoid the need for additional closures. A signed diversion route will be in place to guide traffic via suitable main roads.
Please find below a link to the latest Fortnightly Works Update providing details of forthcoming works.
Download Fortnightly Works Update
Please find below a link to the March Community Leaflet providing details of the scheme and forthcoming works.
Download March Community Leaflet
Duration: One night only (Saturday 21 March)
Working Hours: Overnight (approx. 8:00pm – 5:00am)
Why are these works required? Openreach will be carrying out works to install new underground ducting and cabling across Bearsted Road to support the construction of the new roundabouts. This work is a continuation of the current Openreach activities on New Cut Road and is required to complete the new connections needed to facilitate the wider junction improvements. To safely install this infrastructure, it is necessary to excavate a trench across both lanes of Bearsted Road, which cannot be undertaken safely under live traffic conditions.
How are we minimising disruption? To minimise the impact on road users, these works will be carried out overnight only, when traffic flows are significantly lower. The closure is limited to a single night to complete the works as efficiently as possible and avoid the need for multiple closures.
Diversion route: A signed diversion route will be in place during the closure. This will direct traffic via the A249, A20 and A229, before rejoining Bearsted Road beyond the works area. The diversion has been selected in agreement with the Local Authority to ensure traffic is routed via suitable main roads and to minimise disruption to residential areas. Please see the diversion map below for further detail.
Duration: Approximately three weeks (Mon – Fri nights only), excluding the Easter weekend.
Why are these works required? Night-time works will be carried out at the KIMS roundabout as part of the ongoing Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme. These works include surfacing and other preparatory works required for the future junction improvements. During these closures, surfacing will also be undertaken on Bearsted Road where the new carriageway is currently being constructed, as well as on the new footpath along the new access road, which currently has a temporary surface. By completing as much surfacing activity as possible during these night-time closures, we can maximise resource efficiency and reduce the need for additional closures later to carry out the same type of works.
How are we minimising disruption? To reduce the impact on daytime traffic, works will be carried out overnight between 8:00pm and 5:00am. Temporary lane closures with four-way traffic signals will be in place at the roundabout to safely manage traffic while works are undertaken in sections. Bearsted Road will remain open and no full road closures are required.
Download KIMS Roundabout Lane Closures
Duration: Approximately two weeks (Mon - Fri)
Why are these works required? Openreach will be completing BT connection works in the area. These connections are required to enable construction of the new KIMS roundabout .
How are we minimising disruption? The lane closure will only be in place during off-peak daytime hours. Temporary traffic lights will be used to always maintain two-way traffic flow, meaning no diversion routes are required.
Duration: Up to one week
Why are these works required? Trial holes will be carried out to confirm the location of underground cables and utilities. This investigation is an important step before the next phase of construction, which involves excavating the ground to make way for the new carriageway. To allow these works to be carried out safely, the footpath adjacent to the works area will be temporarily closed in the interests of public safety. The location of the temporary closure and alternative pedestrian route is shown on the drawing below.
How are we minimising disruption? The footway on the opposite side of the road will remain open and all pedestrian crossings will continue to operate as normal. As a result, we expect minimal impact to pedestrians during this activity.
Download the temporary closure and alternative pedestrian route map
As part of the Bearsted Road Scheme, UKPN will be undertaking a series of open excavations within and
around Notcutts Shopping Village, commencing on Monday 9th February 2026, with anticipated completion by Sunday 1st March 2026.
These are planned essential works that will support the next phases of the Bearsted Road project, which will divert existing underground HV & LV cables.
Access to all businesses within Notcutts Shopping Village will remain open via the new Access Road. Open excavations will be safely fenced off, also Traffic Management will be in place to allow pedestrians to safely pass.
In reference to the attached plan, this will include lane closures (at various times) along Newham Court Way and Bearsted Road. The excavations will be undertaken in a sequence to try and keep disruption at a minimum.
Please see attached location plan of the excavations. Access to businesses will remain open.
Download the location plan of the excavations
Please find below a link to the December Community Leaflet providing details of the scheme and forthcoming works, and a plan for the new access to the Shopping Village.
Download December Community Leaflet
Download plan for the new access to the Shopping Village
Our first period of planned night closures to Bearsted Road were completed successfully. They were utilised to trench and install ducts across the road as part of future UKPN stats diversion. The next period of night closures is anticipated to take place in February 2026. We thank you for your patience and cooperation
Part of Bearsted Road will be closed at night, between Monday 24th November to 28th November 2025. The extents of the closure will be between KIMS roundabout and the A249 Roundabout (Next Roundabout).
These essential works will involve trenching and duct installation across Bearsted Road. The works are being undertaken at night to mitigate disruption during normal working hours. For the safety of the public & workforce, Bearsted Road will be closed between A249 roundabout & KIMS roundabout.
A fully signed diversion route will be in place. The working hours will be 8:00pm to 5.00am. Access to various businesses within Notcutts Shopping Village will remain open during this period from KIMS roundabout. Traffic Management operatives will be on site to assist any vehicles and pedestrians that require access.
Please see the associated diversion route below which will be in place whilst Bearsted Road is closed.

Below are some recent drone images, showing the progress being made on the A249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme.



There will be a temporary lane closure on Newnham Court Way starting Monday 27th October . This closure will be between the hours of 9am-3.30pm Monday to Friday, for 1 week only. The pedestrian route will be maintained throughout these works. This is to enable future safe working room and to construct a new site access. We expect this to cause minimal disruption.

Below are some recent drone images, showing the progress being made on the A249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme.
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Please find below a link to the latest Community Leaflet providing details of the scheme and forthcoming works.
From Monday 20 October, there will be a full closure in place to Bearsted Road (east of Kims Roundabout to Hockers Lane/Ware St Junction), for a duration of 16 weeks. This closure is required for Openreach & UKPN to complete diversion works which will involve open excavations within the road. Therefore it is imperative to close the road to ensure the safety of road users and operatives. There will be a diversion in place as outlined in the link below (via New Cut Road, A20, Roundwell & Ware Street) which will be clearly signposted.
Over the weekend SGN mobilised lane closures for emergency works on Bearsted Road, which is causing some disruption. The temporary traffic lights are not part of the improvement scheme.
A scheme to improve the capacity and traffic flow at the Bearsted Road roundabout and New Cut Road roundabout will commence on Monday18th August 2025 and is due for completion by the end of 2026.
Civil engineering specialists Breheny Civil Engineering have been appointed by Kent County Council to undertake the works. The first stage of work will involve setting up site offices to the east of Newnham Court Way and construction will begin offline to create the new access to the shopping village, excavate and install the eastern retaining wall and prepare the area for constructing the additional carriageway.
The A249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme is designed to ease congestion, increase capacity to accommodate increased trips and improve resilience to the highway network.
No, this work will not impact vehicles using the M20.
There will be a need for some road closures throughout the works, but generally these will take place overnight to minimise disruption.
Bearsted Road from the New Cut Road roundabout through to Hockers Lane will need to close for 4 months. All major traffic management changes and road closures will be clearly advertised in advance.
Construction works started during week commencing 18th August 2025.
The project is scheduled to take 15 months, with completion in early 2027.
Normal working hours will be Monday to Friday, 07.30 to 16.30hrs, with extended hours or weekend working where required for specific operations.
Where possible, activities that need to restrict traffic flows will be carried out off peak, between 09.30 and 15.30hrs.
Yes, there will be overnight works carried out at certain times throughout the project, which will be advertised in advance.
Yes, there will be weekend works carried out at certain times throughout the project, which will be advertised in advance.
The project cost is estimated to be £10.8m, which is funded by UK Government and developer contributions.
Wherever possible, the current capacity of Bearsted Road will be maintained, however, there will be times during the project when traffic management will be required to ensure the safety of our workforce and the travelling public. This will cause disruption, but we will work to keep this to a minimum, and thank you for your patience.
Road closures will be required for certain works, but access will be maintained for emergency services and a signed diversion route will be in place. All road closures will be advertised in advance.
Yes, there will be a need for diversion routes for all road closures. Details of the diversions will be made available in due course.
If you have a question about the A249 Bearsted Road Improvement Scheme, please contact us by email: