A249 road

A249
Route information
Length	18.6 mi (29.9 km)
Major junctions
South end	Maidstone 51°16′13″N0°31′32″E / 51.2704°N 0.5255°E / 51.2704; 0.5255 (A249 road (southwestern end))
Major intersections	M2 M20 A2 A20 A229 A250
North end	Sheerness 51°26′32″N0°45′26″E / 51.4422°N 0.7572°E / 51.4422; 0.7572 (A249 road (northeastern end))
Location
Country	United Kingdom
Road network
Roads in the United Kingdom Motorways A and B road zones

The A249 is a major road in England that connects the M2 and M20 motorways in Kent. It links Dover and Maidstone to London and the Isle of Sheppey. ^[1]

History

Traffic congestion and improvements

In the 1960s, the A249 was improved to a dual carriageway between Maidstone and Sittingbourne in anticipation of increased traffic levels caused by the opening of the M2 and M20 motorways. ^{[2] [3]} The A249 was rerouted onto a bypass of Sittingbourne in the 1990s. ^[4] Traffic congestion on the Kingsferry Bridge led to the Sheppey Crossing being constructed from 2004 to 2006. ^{[5] [6]}

From June 2021 to February 2025, National Highways remodelled junction 5 of the M2 at a cost of £100 million to provide a flyover for A249 through traffic and improved connections between the M2 and A249. The main aims of the scheme were to improve capacity, connectivity, and safety. Graham Construction was contracted to rebuild the junction. ^[1]

Incidents and safety issues

In 2000, Margaret Kuwertz and her granddaughter, Jade Hobbs, were killed in a traffic collision at a pedestrian crossing near Detling. In 2005, Jade's Crossing, a footbridge named after Hobbs, was opened to replace the at-grade crossing and to improve safety. ^[7] The Jade Appeal, which was created to campaign for road safety improvements, raised £35,000 in the aftermath of the collision. The funds went towards educating schoolchildren about road safety. ^[8]

On 5 September 2013, a pile-up involving 130 vehicles took place on the Sheppey Crossing, causing 60 injuries and the closure of the crossing for nine hours. ^[9] In 2014, a 50 mph speed limit was introduced on the crossing to improve safety, but was rescinded in 2016 due to a lack of compliance. ^[10]

Gallery

• 
  The A249 on Detling Hill, facing west towards Maidstone.
• 
  The A249 passing under the M2.
• 
  The A249 approaching the Sheppey Crossing from the south.

References

1. Hakimian, Rob (6 February 2025). "£100M overhaul of M2 junction 5 in Kent completed". New Civil Engineer. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
2. Associated Road Operators (1960). The Road Way. Road Haulage Association. p. 50.
3. Bowden, Andrew (2013). Rambling Man Walks the North Downs Way: Following the pilgrims from Farnham to Dover. Rambling Man Publications. p. 35. ASIN   B00F1D60W8.
4. "A249 – Hansard – UK Parliament". hansard.parliament.uk. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
5. "Work begins on Second Swale Crossing". Kent Online. 29 April 2004. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
6. "Sheppey Crossing's vital stats". Kent Online. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
7. "BBC Inside Out – Jade's Crossing". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
8. "Road safety kits from Jade Appeal". 3 February 2007. Retrieved 26 December 2025.
9. "Dozens hurt as 100 cars crash on A249 Sheppey crossing". BBC News. 5 September 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2013.
10. "Sheppey Crossing bridge 70mph speed limit reinstated". BBC News. 14 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2025.

External links

• Highways Agency – Iwade-Queenborough improvements
• Highways Agency – Iwade-Queenborough improvements (photos)

51°20′33″N0°41′13″E / 51.3426°N 0.6869°E / 51.3426; 0.6869 (A249 road)