Dr. Sauer & Partners is proud to have contributed specialist tunnel design expertise to the Bean Road Underpass project in Kent, UK — an important new sustainable transport link connecting Whitecliffe and Bluewater in Kent. The new tunnel will connect two former quarries which are now home to the Bluewater Shopping Centre and Ebbsfleet Garden City. The project has a special connection for the company as Dr Sauer & Partners designed and supervised the construction of two haul tunnels for the quarry operations in the 1990s. These haul tunnels are no longer in use but will be available for construction logistics during tunnelling.
Our team collaborated closely with Tony Gee and Partners, who provided overall design management and civil engineering design services for the tunnel, highways and associated works. The collective team delivered tunnel design, ground movement analysis, and utility impact assessments for the 75 m Sprayed Concrete Lined tunnel to be driven through Upper Chalk. The 11m wide and 9m high proposed tunnel will form part of the Fastrack bus, cycle, and pedestrian network, improving connectivity across the region.
Kent County Council has recently awarded the £18.6m construction contract, progressing this vital infrastructure link beneath the B255. The underpass will significantly improve sustainable access between growing communities and key destinations including Bluewater and Ebbsfleet International.
We’re delighted to support a project that strengthens connectivity, supports local development, and showcases innovative underground engineering.
Bean Tunnel Visualisation by Tony Gee
Bean Tunnel Site Location
Tunnel Cross Section