A2014

This article is about the current A2014 in Tonbridge.
For the original A2014 in Wrotham, that was the original line of the A20, see A2014 (Wrotham).

The A2014 was originally part of the A21 until the Tonbridge Southern By-Pass was completed in 1966. Since the A26 Tonbridge Eastern By-Pass (consisting of previously existing roads plus a bit of new-build) was opened, the whole of the A2014 has been the dominant number in a multiplex with the A26. This is due to the limited access at Quarry Hill junction where the A26 passes over the A21.

Pembury Road, Tonbridge

The A2014 starts at the roundabout with the A26 (Quarry Hill Road) and B2236 (Tonbridge High Street) and is called Pembury Road throughout. We climb out of the Medway valley passing over the railway between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells which is in a tunnel at this point. Just before the roundabout the B2017 bore off to the left along Tudeley Lane but this road was blocked to encourage drivers to use the Eastern By-Pass. We reach the roundabout with the By-Pass where the A2014 ends. The road dead-ahead is a slip road on to the southbound A21, whilst northbound traffic turns off the slip road and follows the spiral to the roundabout. This junction with the A21 is now full access but in the past northbound A21 traffic could only exit and southbound traffic on the A2014 could access the A21.

Original Author(s): A211 Driver

The A2014 is listed in the DfT Card Index of c2002 simply as 'Pembury'. Taken at face value, this would suggest that the A2014 was in the village of Pembury, rather than Pembury Road in Tonbridge, and certainly comparison with other similar entries would support this view. However, on balance this seems unlikely, and it should therefore be assumed, unless further supporting evidence is found, that this reference is a shortening of the full entry of Tonbridge (Pembury Road).