Having reviewed the risk to the current gas supply, contractor SGN Gas is concerned that there is a high likelihood that emergency works on the A2 will be required when higher demand increases the pressure within the existing main, probably within the next few weeks. The works were originally planned to begin on Monday 16th September.
SGN Gas do not intend fully closing the A2 this time but will put in place temporary traffic lights where necessary.
Following KCC Highways latest discussions with SGN Gas, Cllr Mike Whiting has now received the advice below from Director of Highways, Simon Jones. Previously, KCC advice was that the works would be delayed until 2020, however, having sought a number of important assurances from SGN, KCC has agreed to let the works commence at the end of this month, providing this time SGN Gas put into place some very clear red lines in respect of traffic management, including a restriction and official diversion route preventing HGVs from passing through Newington while the works are being carried out. Cllr Whiting will be seeking assurances from KCC, SGN Gas and Kent Police that HGV restrictions will be enforced. In addition restrictions and signage will be placed on neighbouring roads which have been identified as unsuitable for HGVs.
“Dear Cllr Whiting,
The A2 gas works planned to commence on 16 September were delayed until next year in order to provided sufficient time for all parties to carefully plan local traffic management and to address a number of concerns raised since the emergency works were carried out during the summer.
“Dear Cllr Whiting,
The A2 gas works planned to commence on 16 September were delayed until next year in order to provided sufficient time for all parties to carefully plan local traffic management and to address a number of concerns raised since the emergency works were carried out during the summer.
SGN have since reviewed the risk to the current gas supply and are concerned that there is a high likelihood that emergency works will occur along this stretch of gas main when the demand increases the pressure within the existing main on the A2 probably in the next few weeks.
In carefully considering the request from SGN for the works to commence on 30 September and recognising that an emergency response is likely to be highly impactive, KCC has agreed a number of key measures which must be put in place to reduce the impact on the local communities.
SGN will ensure that there is an HGV restriction on the A2 through a traffic regulation order in place for the total of the 42-week duration of the works. Local access for HGV deliveries will be managed by a local permit scheme and the details are currently being considered. A HGV diversion using the M2 will be in place and we will seek support from Kent Police and Highways England to support compliance of the HGV restriction and observance of the official diversion route and will also consider any other measures which may be appropriate.
We will place restrictions on local roads which have been identified as wholly unsuitable for any displaced traffic during the works and will sign roads which are not suitable for HGV access with appropriate signage should any HGVs access the local network in breach of the restriction. Width/weight restrictions will be placed as necessary on minor roads north of the A2, but these will need to allow access to properties/businesses on these roads.
Road closures will be considered as a last resort but consultation with affected residents/businesses on this will take place if these are thought to be required.
SGN have escalated their communications plan and will ensure close communication with key stakeholders and community points of contact including businesses. SGN will review their works progress weekly and ensure that communities are kept up to date with the progress of the works.
These measures should allow SGN to commence on phase 1 of their project to address the main at the Medway end up to the junction with Oak Lane/Spade Lane, Upchurch. Details of the diversion route will be released shortly.
KCC and SGN have increased resources to look at the traffic management plan for the remainder of the works and detailed plans will be communicated to affected communities including any identified options for local feedback.
Simon Jones
Director of Highways, KCC”
Upchurch Matters
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