Work is continuing on a major transport improvement project along the A21 in Kent.

Highways England are building a new footpath for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders as part of a £69.7 million scheme to upgrade the dual carriageway between Tonbridge and Pembury.

Features include extra links to connect the upgraded paths to Tonbridge Station to the north and Pembury Hospital to the south as well as a new footbridge at Blackhurst Lane.

Construction of the A21 scheme begun in April last year and has already involved building new slip roads, ancient woodland translocation, removing a Grade II listed building which will be rebuilt in a museum, and a variety of measures for protected species.

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Around 20,000 tonnes of new road surface has been used on the scheme so far, with around 95% of material made from recycled materials. This helps to reduce the waste when carrying out resurfacing and also reduces the energy required to create the new material.

The project is being funded by Highways England and Kent County Council. The new upgraded road is expected to open to traffic next summer.

Highways England project manager Anne-Marie Palmer said: "The improvements we're delivering on the A21 will bring real benefits. At the same time as reducing congestion on the A21 itself, we will also be improving facilities for the community with a brand new pedestrian, cycle and equestrian route connecting Tonbridge and Pembury.

"These extra enhancements will help to ensure that the new facilities will bring maximum benefit to people, and I am pleased we have been able to work together with our partners to make them happen."

Image: Artist's impression of the new Blackhurst footbridge over the A21

(LM/CD)