The A20 Junction Improvement Scheme has made good progress over recent weeks; however, in the interest of maintaining the best access to-and-from the Port, and to avoid disruption to our ferry customers and the people of Dover throughout the Christmas period, the Port of Dover has decided to avoid any further night closures during 2016 to ensure 24-hour flow of traffic.

To assist local and Port traffic over the festive period, changes to the traffic management will be implemented to cater for two-lane running in both directions through the full length of the A20 contra-flow, commencing the 21st December. The new traffic lights that have recently been installed will not be commissioned until the New Year and therefore right turns will remain unavailable to ensure traffic remains free flowing.

Night closures will be required in January to complete the works safely for London-bound traffic within the vicinity of York Street. The works will then conclude with the traffic lights at Woolcomber Street upgraded before the scheme concludes in February 2017.

Highlighted as one of the key schemes by the Government in unlocking Britain’s economic potential, the A20 Junction Improvement Scheme is designed to maximise the potential of Dover’s key regeneration projects including the Port’s Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) and the district council’s St James development. 

The Port is working hard to complete these complex works as quickly as possible and would ask for your continued patience and understanding whilst we continue this key road scheme.

The Port would like to wish all users of the A20 a happy Christmas and New Year.

ENDS

Note to editors:

1.  A government-approved scheme to deliver better access to the port and support new homes and jobs in Dover (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-roads-investment-in-london-and-the-south-east)

2.  Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

 

• A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
• Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
• Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
• Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

 

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c.£250m development committed to deliver the first phase.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the Interim Client and Outline Design Award.  CEEQUAL is the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

3.  Dover District Council is working with its development partners, Legal & General and Bond City, on a prime 8-acre site that will transform the retail and leisure offer in the heart of Dover town centre.  The Dover St James development comprises 156,915 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space, parking for 450 cars, and will feature a 16,000 sq. ft. M&S store, a six screen multiplex Cineworld cinema, a 108-bed Travelodge hotel, five national chain restaurants, along with a further 12 retail units (www.stjamesdover.co.uk).