A major route which has been shut for emergency gas repairs has reopened after more than six weeks – but residents will still face disruption.

The closure of A229 Loose Road in Maidstone was lifted today (June 1), but temporary traffic lights will be put in place instead for two weeks.

The road has been blocked in both directions since April 18 after SGN engineers detected gas leaks in the area.

Since, they had been repairing pipes and upgrading the network between Maidstone Fire Station and the Swan Inn.

The utility company says this work will ensure homes and businesses continue to receive “a safe and reliable” supply for “years to come”.

But residents had faced widespread disruption as a result, with bin collections delayed, buses rerouted, as well as gridlock in surrounding lanes.

Bus company Arriva wrote today on X, formerly Twitter: “As of around 14:30 today, Loose Road was reopened to traffic in both directions, and we are pleased to say that our services are no longer diverted away.

“We look forward to welcoming you back on board. Thank you for sticking with us.”

But motorists will continue to face some delays, despite the opening.

Spokesman for SGN Simon Collins said: “We will need to complete some final work along Cripple Street and so two-way traffic lights will be in place for approximately two-weeks.

“We’re sorry for the disruption this essential work has caused and would like to thank the local community for its patience and support.”

Residents and businesses had previously called the impact of the closures “mayhem”.

Sarah Gibson said she had struggled to return home from church on Good Friday when the works first began.

She said: “I had to then go all the way to the next village – it probably took me about an hour to get home because of all the lorries on the lanes and people driving in lanes they aren't used to.

“I haven't attempted many since then, but it's been mayhem.”

She added: “It is inconvenient, but it needs doing. I'd much rather we had replaced gas mains and safety than smell gas all the time.”

Loose Bowles Club member Susie Hanson likened the works to a “massive headache”.

She said: “We play four to five matches a week here, plus internal games – that can involve up to 30 to 40 members and away members.

“So, getting here is a struggle for other clubs like Lennon, Charing, and Hadlow. Rearranging a match is quite difficult.”

Meanwhile owner of Doodas Hair Salon, David Worthy says his business has also been impacted.

He said previously: “They said it wouldn't be ready until June, which was a bit of a shock, to be fair.

“Nobody can get here very easily, so we have had quite a few cancellations because people are unsure about getting here and the timing and where they're going to park.

“Locals have still managed to get through, especially people who are walkable can get through.

“Everyone wants it back to normal as soon as possible, but you've got to accept these things have got to happen, and you can't avoid it, so we just have to go with it and keep smiling.”