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'Driving in Ashford a nightmare' after A2070 closure

The closure of a major Ashford road this weekend has been met with criticism from local road users.

The A2070 has been shut for the demolition of a footbridge, which forms part a huge project to build a new motorway junction on the M20.

But local residents have criticised the impact of the operation – which has seen the major arterial road closed all day Saturday, and part of Sunday morning.

Ashford. Church Road Footbridge being taken down.Picture: Paul Amos. (2574710)
Ashford. Church Road Footbridge being taken down.Picture: Paul Amos. (2574710)

One KentOnline reader wrote: "I for one feel almost landlocked by roadworks where I live, as there is now only one way in and out which is now part of a diversion so usually takes me at least 30 minutes extra either way.

"This simply cannot go on, being so poorly organized and affecting many residents lives until 2019."

Another said: "It's making driving in Ashford a nightmare. Especially for those of us that have no choice and not just going shopping."

Ashford Churcg road Footbridge.Picture: Paul Amos (2461705)
Ashford Churcg road Footbridge.Picture: Paul Amos (2461705)

Another reader wrote: "We keep hearing the benefits it will bring. Can someone tell me how I am going to benefit personally? All I see is disruption to traffic across the town and heaven knows the damage it is doing to businesses."

The demolition of the Church Road footbridge forms part of a £104 million scheme to build a new motorway junction on the M20.

The A2070 has been closed from 4am today between its junction with Barrey Road and the M20, and will remain shut until 4am on Sunday.

Access to Barrey Road for residents, stores and the lorry park remains open along the A2070 from Orbital Park Roundabout during the demolition.

There is no access to Junction 10 from Orbital Park Roundabout, and a diversion through Ashford town centre to Junction 9 via the A2070 and A2042 is in place.

Ashford. Church Road Footbridge being taken down.Picture: Paul Amos. (2574712)
Ashford. Church Road Footbridge being taken down.Picture: Paul Amos. (2574712)

From Monday, the road was reduced to a single lane. This closure, alongside 40mph speed limit, is due to remain in place until work is finished in 2019.

Highways England's Thomas Selby, project manager for the new junction, said: "We are making good progress on building this new junction for Ashford, which will bring real benefits to the town.

"As part of the work, we are realigning the A2070 to tie in with the new junction and we are also improving access to the nearby retail park.

"To do this we need to replace the Church Road footbridge.

"Until it is rebuilt we will install a temporary surface crossing controlled by traffic lights.

"We appreciate people's patience and will try and keep disruption to a minimum."

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