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On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
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A249 Iwade Bypass to Queenborough Improvement (part of the A249 Stockbury (M2) to Sheerness DBFO)
A249 Iwade Bypass to Queenborough Improvement (part of the A249 Stockbury (M2) to Sheerness DBFO)
- Status
- Completed
- Located in
- Area 4
- Scheme type
- Programme of Major Schemes
The Project
The A249 Iwade Bypass to Queenborough Improvement is the last of four schemes to improve the A249 between the M2 and the port of Sheerness. The improvement will provide a dual carriageway road 5km long between the end of the Iwade Bypass and Queenborough and will include a new high level crossing of The Swale.
The Sheppey Crossing
Almost 10,000 tonnes of the British steel used to construct the new crossing is now in place. The steelwork from Piers 1-7, 8-14 and 17 to the northern abutment was launched into place using a jacking mechanism to push the steel skeleton of the bridge deck into place from each end of the work site. The remaining sections of bridge deck (piers 7-8 and piers 15-17) were lifted into place in during October and November.
Queenborough Junction Explained
Details of the new Queenborough Junction, how its construction will affect road users, can be found in the Queensborough Junction page available via the right hand navigation menu, or by downloading the "Changes to Road Layout Phase 3" leaflet in the Publications section.
Kingsferry Interchange Explained
Completion of the construction means that there are now two routes on and off the Isle of Sheppey, via the Sheppey Crossing and dual carriageway or via the existing Kingsferry Bridge and local road.
Traffic between mainland Kent and the Isle of Sheppey can travel along the dual carriageway Iwade Bypass straight over the new crossing and onto the Island. Access to the east and west sides of the Island is possible from the new Cowstead Roundabout approximately 1½ miles north of the new crossing.
The Kingsferry Bridge has been retained for local traffic and provides an alternative route to the new crossing on and off the Isle of Sheppey. Travelling onto the Island, a dedicated slip road leads off the dual carriageway to the Kingsferry Roundabout and along the existing single carriageway road over the Kingsferry Bridge onto Sheppey Way to the Cowstead Corner Roundabout. Leaving the Island, a dedicated slip road leads south from the Kingsferry Roundabout, under the new crossing before merging with the southbound dual carriageway of the Iwade Bypass.
A dedicated footpath and cycleway on this local route is available for pedestrians and cyclists who, for safety reasons, are not permitted to use the new high-level crossing.
Engaging the community
The construction of the new Swale Crossing marks an important milestone in the Isle of Sheppey's future. In December 2004 a time capsule was buried within one of the main bridge piers situated between The Swale and South Marsh Railway Bridge on the Island. This initiative, proposed and achieved by a local school, is evidence of the community's continued interest in the Improvement Scheme. Interest has also been received from other educational establishments from primary to university level, local interest groups and other organisations.
