Drivers are facing almost three more months of disruption from temporary traffic lights sparking long town centre queues.
Council officials say the work in Folkestone could be complete sooner if the affected road was completely closed but that would cause greater congestion.
The disruption is part of the multi-phase “Folkestone – A Brighter Future” scheme, which has been underway since 2024 and is due to continue through 2026 as works progress across the town centre.
Four-way traffic lights are at the junction where Radnor Park Road and Cheriton Road meet, next to Folkestone Central railway station.
This is due to ongoing work at Station Approach. It mainly includes removing redundant zebra crossing beacons, islands, footways and railings, and installing new kerbs, paving and surfacing to the footways.
Cycle lanes are also being installed at the roundabout.
Kent County Council (KCC) is carry out the work on behalf of Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).
A spokesperson representing both authorities said: “The work at Station Approach and Radnor Park roundabout is due to be completed at the start of August and this timeline remains on track.
“Traffic management measures are in place to ensure the improvements can be carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.
“These works could be completed more quickly if the road was closed completely but this would significantly increase the impact on the town centre and surrounding area.
“Works are therefore being carried out whilst maintaining continual access to Folkestone Central railway station and whilst maintaining a live running lane through the junction.”
Our reporter visited the scene and saw long queues of traffic, particularly on Radnor Park Road on the approach to the roundabout.
This is happening while another key route in the town centre, The Road of Remembrance, remains closed after two years because of landslips.
Last December, locals complained to KentOnline and on social media about the work around the Radnor Park roundabout.
Much of the criticism focuses on a coned-off raised kerb separating the new cycle lane from the road outside the station.
People said it was a safety hazard.
KCC then said there had been no reported safety incidents related to the kerb since the roundabout opened.
The task here, budgeted at £3 million, is part of the district council’s wider Folkestone – A Brighter Future project.
It costs £20 million overall and is paid for through the government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The cash has also gone towards the controversial relocation of the town’s bus station from Bouverie Square, which is eventually set to be transformed into a public park.
The FHDC/KCC spokesperson added: “A Brighter Future is an ambitious and complex scheme that will transform Folkestone town centre.
“With any regeneration project of this scale, there will be unavoidable disruption and we appreciate that sometimes this causes frustrating delays for drivers.
“We would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience while we deliver an improved and more attractive town centre.”
