Ashford already benefits from a strong road network. With Ashford’s population set to increase it is important our transport infrastructure has the capacity to cope with the increased traffic.

There are a number of current, planned and proposed improvements to the capacity of our road network, and you can find out more below.

Newtown Road Bridge

A key improvement scheme to support the growth of Ashford started in January 2008 at Newtown Road Bridge. Newtown Road is a key artery serving the Willesborough area but it is constrained by a low level narrow width railway bridge.

The raising and widening of Newtown Road Bridge will improve access, link the town centre with developments to the south east, and support the proposed SMARTLINK bus service and future Park and Ride services.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. During this time the length of Newtown Road will be closed and a signed diversion route in place.

The project is funded by the department for Communities and Local Government, Network Rail and Kent County Council as part of making Ashford best placed in Britain.

For more information on the scheme visit the Kent County Council Newtown Bridge webpage.

Breaking Boundaries – A Project to Transform Ashford’s Ring Road

Integral to the expansion of the town centre is the need to break the barrier created by the Inner Ring Road.

Since its completion in the mid 1970’s, most of the development has turned its back on the Ring Road, creating an unpleasant, car dominated environment that does not encourage walking or active street frontages.

Currently around 70% of traffic using the Ring Road is ‘through traffic’ having no business in the town centre.

The first phase of a project to transform the Ring Road into series of quality streets has recently been completed. Work on Bank Street, Elwick Road and West Street is progressing. Further phases will be implemented in conjunction with progress on Victoria Way and Park and Ride, that will reduce the need for traffic to enter the town centre.

In October 2007 work on converting the roundabout at Beaver Road/Romney Marsh Road into a traffic signal controlled junction began. Permanent traffic signals will be in operation from the end of July 2008. This will help open up access south of the railway ahead of future development and help increase safe pedestrian movements. 

Ultimately this scheme will provide an attractive place for residents, businesses and visitors, stimulating growth and opening up the town centre. The shared space principle will allow motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to occupy the same space and create safer environments, with reduced speeds.

For more information on the scheme visit the Kent County Council Ring Road webpage.

Drovers Roundabout

Improvements to the capacity and traffic signalling of the Drovers (Cow) Roundabout have started at the end of January 2008 and should be completed by the end of July 2008. Work will include widening the approach roads, and improving the capacity of the roundabout by enlarging the junction and improving signalling.

The Drovers Roundabout is a key junction fed directly by five roads, including the A28 Simone Well Avenue, A292 Maidstone Road and the A28 Fougeres Way, which leads directly to Junction 9 of the M20. The improvements are needed due to the imcreased usage expected by the nearby Repton Park development at the former Templer Barracks site.