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Strood and Rochester in gridlock again due to temporary traffic lights and roadworks

Temporary traffic lights continue to cause long queues but on a different stretch of road.

The roadworks which left people stranded on the Medway City Estate on Tuesday night are causing delays again.

At the junction of Station Road, Strood High Street and Commercial Road, the council has set up a temporary three way traffic light system.

Commuters queue for hours to leave Medway City Estate

The lights are supposed to divert traffic while contractors carry out improvement works in Strood town centre.

However they caused gridlock on Tuesday, from the Strood side of Rochester bridge, back to the Medway City Estate.

An engineer then reset the lights yesterday.

The area in red marks the queue drivers faced throughout Strood
The area in red marks the queue drivers faced throughout Strood

However, the lights seem to be causing jams for traffic travelling across Rochester Bridge to Strood.

There are long delays on Commercial Road and the Esplanade.

A fire engine was spotted, struggling to manoeuvre through the traffic at around 11am this morning.

Fire engine gets stuck in traffic on Rochester Bridge
Fire engine gets stuck in traffic on Rochester Bridge

According to Medway Council's website the temporary lights will be there for three weeks, until August 20.

Speaking yesterday, Assistant Director of Frontline Services, Ruth Du-Lieu,said: “We are aware that there was an issue with the temporary traffic lights at the Commercial Road and Station Road junction in Strood last night (Tuesday, July 30).

“As soon as we became aware a signal engineer attended site to monitor and make adjustments.

Traffic was at a standstill on the Medway City Estate last night due to temporary traffic lights
Traffic was at a standstill on the Medway City Estate last night due to temporary traffic lights

"Further changes have been made today (Wednesday) and additional warning signs are being put in place in and around the surrounding area to advise motorists of possible delays and to provide opportunities to take other routes.

"An engineer will be on site today and tomorrow to monitor traffic flow.

“The works are being carried out in the school holidays to help minimise disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

The council has been contacted for further comment.

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