News

RELIEF FOR HAWKINGE VILLAGERS

Work has begun this week o­n a £2.5million northern relief road at Hawkinge to reduce traffic through the village.

Kent Highway Services are co-ordinating the building of the new road funded by developers George Wimpey and Pentland Homes who are building new homes in the area. The single carriageway will run from the existing roundabout at Haven Drive and connect with new roundabout junctions at Aerodrome Road and the A260 Canterbury Road. It is expected to be completed by November.

Cyclists and pedestrians will benefit as a toucan crossing south of Aerodrome Road will be provided. Earth mounds and fencing will also be added either side of the new road to reduce noise for residents living nearby.

The Hawkinge Northern Relief Road will make the village safer for residents and create easier access to the A20, Folkestone and Canterbury.

Most of the work during construction will be away from existing roads although there will be some traffic management at the new junctions which may at times disrupt the flow of traffic.

KCC Cabinet Member for Highways Keith Ferrin said: "This building development will provide housing in the area therefore it is important to accommodate the increase in traffic. We hope Hawkinge residents value the northern relief road and their improved access to surrounding towns."