Proposed decision
To progress the A226 Galley Hill scheme through the next stages of development to detailed design, including required surveys and public engagement
Reason for the decision
The A226 Galley Hill collapse on 10 April 2023 caused significant damage to the highway and utility infrastructure, which must continue to be addressed.
Given the scale and unprecedented nature of the collapse, KCC has used its existing statutory powers to secure the site, protect public safety and carry out urgent investigations into the cause and extent of the failure.
As the scheme moves beyond investigation and feasibility, further work now requires formal governance approval for oversight, funding authorisation and compliance.
This decision seeks approval to progress the A226 Galley Hill scheme through the next phase of project development only, up to and including detailed design. Specifically to:
- Progress the scheme from feasibility into detailed design
- Undertake public engagement
- Delegate authority to officers to make further technical and procedural decisions required to complete the detailed design stage
This decision does not approve construction or commit funding for delivery of the scheme. A separate future key decision will be required to approve the next phase
Background
The A226 Galley Hill is a key route between Dartford, Gravesham and Ebbsfleet, forming part of the Kent Resilient Network and supporting Ebbsfleet Garden City growth. In April 2023, a section of the chalk spine north of Galley Hill collapsed, triggering a landslide that destroyed part of the carriageway and footway and damaged buried utilities. The route has remained closed since.
As the local highway authority, KCC has led the response, working with specialist consultants to investigate the failure and develop reinstatement options.
The closure continues to affect the wider network, with diverted traffic (including HGVs) using less suitable local roads and disruption to public transport, and it undermines planned housing and employment growth in Ebbsfleet and Northfleet. Reopening the route is therefore critical to network resilience, sustainable transport and future development.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
Option 1 – Completely pause all project development work until funding is secured
· KCC would be disadvantaged against other funding bids as our existing design is not developed enough to secure funding through the Department for Transport or other national funding streams. Delay at this stage would continue to cause significant congestion and have a significant impact on the surrounding highway network, with diverted traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, using less suitable local routes.
Option 2 – Completely stop the scheme to reinstate the A226 Galley Hill
· Separate legal advice concluded that stopping up of this route would have significant ramifications. Modelling work on this scenario also shows current and future significant congestion completely curtailing all growth across the Ebbsfleet area.
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
· Supports the Council’s “Infrastructure First” approach by reinstating a key east–west route to enable planned housing and employment growth.
· Improves connectivity and network resilience by reducing congestion, improving journey-time reliability, and restoring bus/Fastrack services.
· Boosts economic growth and quality of life by improving access for communities and businesses and providing certainty for investment and development.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 21/04/2026
Anticipated restriction: Part exempt - View reasons
Decision due: Not before 20th May 2026 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Andrew Loosemore
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Toby Howe, Highway Resurfacing Manager Email: toby.howe@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Growth Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 5 May 2026.
Financial implications: At present, no further capital funding has been identified to deliver the reinstatement works. Highway authorities do not hold insurance for the failure of highway structures, and the scale and unprecedented nature of the collapse means that the costs cannot be met from existing highways maintenance budgets. As such, there is no existing budget line for the A226 Galley Hill scheme, although it is featured as a risk in the latest budget book. To date, KCC has spent £1.2m including costs to meet its statutory duty to make the highway safe and associated legal costs. £325k has been spent on scheme development since the start of 2025/26. Funding has been met from existing revenue and capital budgets, and KCC intends to recover costs from any parties found liable for the collapse.KCC is continuing to pursue potential external funding opportunities. In the interim, the intention is to continue scheme development to maintain momentum and be able to respond quickly should funding arise
Legal implications: The A226 Galley Hill is a highway maintainable at public expense, and KCC is the highway authority for the route. As such, KCC is subject to the section 41 duty under the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the highway and keep it reasonably safe for ordinary use. The collapse of the carriageway and footway in April 2023 meant that the A226 was no longer reasonably passable without danger requiring the authority to act to prevent danger to highway users. Given the complexities around ownership of the spine and the planned legal proceeding against those deemed responsible for the collapse, legal support and advice has been ongoing since April 2023.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications The EQIA was updated in March 2026. It identifies negative impacts on people in the Age, Disability, Pregnancy & Maternity and Carer Responsibility groups arising from the route closure, with potential minor short-term impacts during construction. These groups are expected to experience significant long-term benefits, and no long-term negative impacts have been identified. Data Protection implications A DPIA is not required for this decision or scheme. There are no foreseen data protection implications.