Progress on £34m Sturry Link Road as Homes England backs key Canterbury relief route

The Sturry Link Road, with a reported total project value of £61 million, just got a massive boost. Local Growth Fund backing means Kent County Council’s ambitious scheme can finally move forward – a 550-metre bypass around Sturry’s nightmare level crossing. According to recent funding announcements, Homes England is reportedly providing £48.5 million in additional backing to support the complete infrastructure package.

But there’s more. The Local Growth Fund is plugging the funding gap between local contributions and eye-watering construction costs. This backing cuts delivery risks and gives developers certainty for housing schemes across Sturry and Broad Oak.

The Route That Changes Everything

A 250-metre viaduct over the Great Stour sits at the heart of everything.

The single carriageway will link the A28 and A291 through new junctions, creating an alternative to the clogged village route. And frankly, it can’t come soon enough. Sturry’s railway level crossing causes daily misery – gates close for passing trains, queues snake through the historic village centre, air quality suffers. Safety too.

The new link road diverts through-traffic away from the village whilst maintaining local access. Simple as that.

Housing Growth Unlocked

Canterbury’s Local Plan earmarks hundreds of new homes across Sturry and Broad Oak. Without proper access infrastructure, these developments don’t stack up financially.

Developer contributions form part of the funding package. So do Kent County Council capital and the Local Growth Fund grant. This blend tackles the complexity of building major infrastructure over sensitive river environments – never straightforward, but doable with the right backing.

Strategic transport investment unlocking housing targets whilst solving existing problems. Textbook stuff.

Environmental Balance

Building over the Great Stour needs careful handling. The elevated design reduces direct impact on the river and flood zones compared to ground-level alternatives.

Planning permission followed extensive Environmental Impact Assessment and public consultation. Mitigation measures address landscape, ecology, noise and heritage concerns. New pedestrian and cycling facilities will improve connections between communities.

Construction Phase Ahead

With Local Growth Fund backing secured, the project shifts from planning into delivery. Preliminary works, design development and land acquisition have prepared the ground for construction mobilisation.

Funding certainty allows Kent County Council to progress tendering and contractor selection. Construction will support local jobs during the build phase. Local supply chains too.

Key Takeaways

• Sturry Link Road, with a reported total project value of £61m, secures Local Growth Fund backing to bridge viability gap
• 550-metre route with 250-metre viaduct will bypass Sturry level crossing congestion
• Scheme unlocks hundreds of new homes while improving transport resilience

What This Means for Kent Residents

Drivers using the A28 corridor can expect significant relief from Sturry’s chronic congestion once the link road opens. Sturry village residents will see through-traffic diverted away from their streets – better air quality, improved safety. For the wider Canterbury area, the project shows how infrastructure investment can deliver immediate transport improvements and long-term housing growth.

Worth the wait? Ask again when those level crossing queues become a memory.