Background
Kent County Council commissioned Project Centre to deliver a design proposal from concept to detailed design stage for Herne Relief Road as well as providing technical support and principal designer duties throughout the tender and construction stages. Breheny were commissioned by Kent County Council to construct the scheme.
To deliver the project on time and within budget, the project team worked collaboratively and supported Kent County Council throughout the entire project lifecycle, from early consultation meetings with clients and stakeholders to outline design and planning permission, detailed designs and construction.
The Bullockstone Road Improvement forms part of the Herne Relief Road, which has the principal objectives of improving safety and facilitating future housing growth and economic development with sustainable principles at the heart of the development. These improvements were vital to support the construction of 2,600 houses in and around Herne Bay whilst alleviating congestion issues in Herne Village.
By widening roads and junctions, reducing speed limits and implementing new green areas and cycling and walking infrastructure, we also helped the Council to maximise active travel, biodiversity and road safety along the way.
Process
The improvement proposals included:
- Widening of Bullockstone Road to reduce congestion though the constrained village of Herne. The road was previously a minor country lane, causing high levels of traffic and pollution in connecting Greenhill Village and the old Thanet Way with the A291 Canterbury Road.
- Introducing a shared footway and cycleway for the full length of the road to improve active travel and reduce emissions.
- Developing new roundabouts at the junction between Bullockstone Road and the A291 Canterbury Road as well as at the Bullockstone Road and Lower Herne Village junction.
- Introducing a 40mph speed limit on Bullockstone Road to increase road safety for visitors and local residents.
- Developing soft-landscaping touches to replace lost greenery and enhance the space attractiveness and biodiversity.
Outcome
The Herne Relief Road scheme construction was completed in August 2023 following the receipt of planning permission in June 2021 and start of construction in August 2022.
The exceptional communication and technical skills as well as our multidisciplinary approach allowed us to deliver the full cycle of the project on time and within budget, supporting the Council throughout all phases.
“I am pleased to see that this project has been completed, unlocking the potential for future prosperity in the area. This scheme will help to improve journeys by reducing congestion and boosting air quality. The area around the site has also been landscaped to replace the greenery that had to be used as part of the redevelopment, boosting biodiversity.”
David Brazier, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
