The closure is for gas mains replacement works to be carried out in a section of road too narrow for works to be done safely without a closure.
It is anticipated the road will be re-opened on or before Sunday 22nd April 2012.
Closure and alternative routes
The road will be closed between the junctions with Playstool Road (access remains as far as Wickham Close) and Bull Lane.
Delays are inevitable, and it is suggested that drivers consider using alternative routes for the duration of these works.
The main motorway alternative route is via A2, A249, M2 between junctions 5 and 4, A278 and A2.
An additional alternative route for non-motorway traffic is via A249 to Maidstone, thence A229 and A230 to Chatham then back onto the A2.
The specific road names for each diversion are listed at the foot of this Bulletin.
Details of closure
This closure has been re-scheduled to be carried out during the Easter Holidays, following extensive local consultation.
Works will be carried out 6 days a week, working extended hours, to reduce the length of time that the road is closed.
These works are part of a scheme to replace the ageing gas mains with modern materials to maintain the security of gas supplies.
Southern Gas Networks has a legal obligation to replace all iron pipes within 30 metres of properties, like the ones at Newington.
All other options have been considered to avoid closing the A2 but there is no satisfactory alternative.
The existing main is in the middle of the carriageway where the road is very narrow.
~ Whilst the road is closed, other highway improvement works will be carried out to avoid the need for separate closures and minimise future disruption ~
Traffic issues
Signage will be put in place on various roads in the vicinity of the road closure to indicate they are unsuitable for large vehicles.
Weight restrictions of 7.5 T (except for access) are likely to be in place on roads leading from the A2 between Rainham and the A249, when signposted (these roads are individually listed at the foot of this message and on the Public Notice)
The situation will be closely monitored, and it may be that additional traffic regulations are introduced for the safety of the public.
Contacts
These works are being carried out by Morrison Utility Services working with Southern Gas Networks.
The Southern Gas Networks 24-hour Customer Service Centre phone number is 0845 070 1431
Kent County Council’s 24-hour helpline is 08458 247 800
Enclosed is a copy of the Public Notice in confirmation of this, as well as an Information leaflet and map giving additional details about the scheme.
This bulletin contains public information and can be freely forwarded to any other road users who may be affected. Every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, but no liability can be accepted for any changes or errors.
Alternative Routes
Motorway
The alternative motorway route is via A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, M2 from Junction 5 to Junction 4, A278 Hoath Way, A2 London Road and A2 High Street.
Non-motorway
The alternative route for non-motorway traffic is via A2 Keycol Hill, A249 Maidstone Road, Detling Hill, Sittingbourne Road, Bearsted Road, Penenden Heath Road, Sandling Lane, A229 Running Horse Roundabout, Chatham Road, Maidstone Road, A230 Horsted Way, Maidstone Road, A2 Best Street, Brookside, Union Street, New Road, Chatham Hill, Rainham Road, Watling Street, Sovereign Boulevard, Watling Street, London Road and High Street.
Weight Restrictions
A 7.5 Tonne weight restriction (except for access) will be imposed on the following roads, when the relevant signage is in place:
Spade Lane, Mill Lane, Breach Lane, Lower Hartlip Hill, Playstool Road, Church Lane, Bull Lane, Callaways Lane and Rook Lane.
Road names are taken from the National Street Gazetteer on Elgin, with alternative names given where known.
For details of roadworks, please see: www.elgin.gov.uk
Visit our website: www.kent.gov.uk/highways to find out how we look after the roads in Kent.
Customer Information Bulletin SW180G / 1
Regards
Phil Lightman
Road Closures Co-ordinator, East Kent Division
KCC Highways & Transportation
Ashford Highway Depot
Javelin Way
Ashford
TN24 8AD
(08458 247 800 (24-hour Contact Centre)
Fax : 01233 648318
