A21 upgrade between Tonbridge and Pembury in Kent now open

The upgrade of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury in Kent – which involves a new dual carriageway – has been officially opened.

The upgrade, on the road connecting Hastings and London, also includes two new junctions as well as better, safer access to the A21 for the homes and businesses along it and dedicated new facilities for pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists.

It is expected to benefit 35,000 drivers per day through faster journeys, improved safety and reduced congestion. The improvements were formally opened by Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge and Malling (pictured).

Highways England regional investment programme director, David Haimes, said: “This is another missing link in the country’s road network filled in. For decades, the single carriageway section of the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury has been a source of daily congestion, delaying drivers and frustrating business who depend on the road. These A21 improvements are another great achievement for Highways England’s delivery of the first Road Investment Strategy, the biggest road investment for a generation.”

Work started on the scheme in spring 2015. Over the past few months drivers have been benefitting from a phased opening of the improvements, starting with the new flyover at Longfield Road, which partially opened in July.