Ring Road

Breaking Boundaries – A Project to Transform Ashford’s Ring Road

Integral to the expansion of the town centre is the need to break the barrier created by the former Ring Road. Since its completion in the mid 1970's, most of the development has turned its back creating an unpleasant, car dominated environment that does not encourage walking or active street frontages. 

Currently around 70% of traffic using the former Ring Road is ‘through traffic' having no business in the town centre.

The first phase of a project to transform the former Ring Road into a series of quality streets has recently been completed. Work on Bank Street, Elwick Road and West Street is nearing completion.

Further phases will be implemented in conjunction with progress on Victoria Way and Park and Ride, that will reduce the need for traffic to enter the town centre.

Work on converting the roundabout at Beaver Road/Romney Marsh Road into a traffic signal controlled junction is nearing compleition. This will help open up access south of the railway and help increase safe pedestrian movements.

Ultimately this scheme will provide an attractive place for residents, businesses and visitors, stimulating growth and opening up the town centre. The shared space principle will allow motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to occupy the same space and creates safer environments, with reduced speeds.

A series of information leaflets have been produced which provide information on the scheme download the Breaking Boundaries Leaflets or visit the Kent County Council website.