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Maidstone: Road works to begin on five-mile Barming sinkhole diversion route

A five-mile diversion put in place to avoid a huge sinkhole is set for road works of its own to heap further misery on motorists.

Drivers who would normally use Tonbridge Road, also known as the A26, have been forced on a longer journey along Hermitage Lane and London Road just to reach town.

However, Kent County Council has announced 10 days of two-way temporary traffic lights on the diversion route which was introduced thanks to the closure of Gatland Lane.

The A26 Tonbridge Road has been closed in both directions in Barming due to a sinkhole. Picture: Stephen Pettitt (2242581)
The A26 Tonbridge Road has been closed in both directions in Barming due to a sinkhole. Picture: Stephen Pettitt (2242581)

A number of parents and neighbours complained of poor driving and near misses, leading to highways officials shutting the road to anybody avoiding the chasm close to Taj Barming.

Now those making their way to Maidstone Town Centre along the diversion route, from Monday, July 30, can expect long delays after it was announced London Road, between the retail park and Tesco Express, will endure temporary traffic lights.

An announcement made by the council said: "Due to the development of the property (80a London Road) and the imminent occupation of residents, streetworks which have been previously postponed due to the closure of A26 Tonbridge Road, the service connections (sewer, water, gas) have been programmed for the week commencing July 30.

"The works will begin on July 30 and last 10 days. By having all three utility works being carried out at the same time, this reduces the disruption from 30 to 10."

Seven-day extended working between 7am and 7pm will take place

The statement added: "Whilst we are aware that the A26 will remain closed throughout the timings of these works, and the A20 London Road is part of the official diversion route, they were originally planned for the May half term holiday which were postponed due to the collapse of the carriageway.

"Residents are due to be moving in at the end of August and these works must be completed prior to their arrival."

KCC Highways are due to hand out letters to anybody in the immediate area to warn them of the works that are set to take place.

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