Kent County Council has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Transport that the A229 Blue Bell Hill Improvement Scheme will remain within the Government's Major Road Network and Large Local Majors programme following a national review.

The project, which KCC consulted on in January 2025, proposes substantial upgrades to one of Kent’s busiest and most strategically important routes, aiming to improve safety, cut congestion and support future growth.

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In a letter to KCC, the DfT confirmed that while the scheme has passed the review stage, it must still progress through the usual business-case and approvals processes before any funding can be formally awarded. The Department also said it will continue to support the scheme's development and work closely with KCC to keep the programme on track.

As part of this, KCC has committed to beginning construction before the end of March 2029, subject to approvals, and the DfT has confirmed it will collaborate with the council to help meet that deadline.