Kent County Council has revealed an innovative new roundabout design in a bid to lessen crashes and bust congestion on one of Kent’s busiest routes.
The new ‘Turbo Roundabout’ at the Running Horse Roundabout, near Maidstone, links the M20 with the A229 Chatham Road.
Image: KCC
Unlike normal roundabouts, Turbo Roundabouts – which originated from The Netherlands – require drivers to choose the direction they plan to travel in before entering the roundabout. Lanes are separated by coloured markings and lines preventing motorists from switching lanes whilst on the roundabout circulatory. It’s believed that by encouraging drivers already on the roundabout to use better lane discipline, it should make it easier for users to enter the roundabout from other approaches.
As well as increased lines and coloured surfacing, engineers will change the signage on the approaches to the roundabout in all directions to raise awareness of the new style.
Works to convert the roundabout will take place between 8pm and 5am for up to three weeks from April 15th. The works will cost about £650,000. the new ‘Turbo Roundabout’ at the Running Horse Roundabout, near Maidstone, which links the M20 with the A229 Chatham Road. Existing informal cycling and pedestrian crossing points will be retained.
In the past three years, 13 personal injury crashes have been reported to us, making this junction a key priority for work to reduce injuries on the public highway. The figure for the past five years is 29.
Given the extremely high volume of traffic that uses this route day after day, KCC is warning people of this change in advance of the works taking place, which are essential to ensure the safety of all road users.