Kent County Council has awarded an £18.6 million contract to Erith Contractors to deliver the Bean Road Underpass scheme, a key transport link in the Dartford & Gravesham area. The contract was confirmed today, and advances plans to improve connections between the Whitecliffe (Eastern Quarry) housing area and Bluewater Shopping Centre.
The underpass (a 75-metre tunnel carrying a dedicated Fastrack bus lane, as well as shared pedestrian and cycle paths) will form part of the Fastrack bus rapid-transit system, improving public transport and sustainable travel in the region.
Preparatory works and detailed design and underway, with main construction expected to begin in Spring 2026 and completion planned for 2027. Once finished, the underpass will help reduce congestion and support growing housing developments around Ebbsfleet and Bluewater.