Seven concurrent sets of roadworks taking place in Ashford are causing misery for Ashford drivers, as key routes are blocked or drivers facing temporary traffic lights.
Furious drivers say it would be quicker to walk around the “gridlocked” Kent town after several long-term roadwork projects began at the same time.
Both Kennington Road (A2070) and Newtown Road in Ashford are to stay shut throughout spring, alongside the Kennington Road and Newtown Road closures for gas works, motorists will continue to face delays until Saturday (8th March) on A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road.
It comes after National Highways closed one lane on both carriageways for “upgrades” heading towards the Bellamy Gurner four-way junction. Part of nearby Barrey Road and Church Road in Sevington has also shut in both directions while UK Power Networks carries out electrical works until 25th April.
This is alongside an ongoing rolling road closure in Stanhope Road until the end of the month, plus engineers from UK Power Networks carrying out repairs to its underground electricity network in Bank Street.
The latter has also led to all buses needing to avoid the area while the route is closed, with several passengers spotted queuing in Vicarage Lane and Station Road yesterday morning while the works continue until 12th March. Finally, drivers are still seeing the temporary closure of a lane of Somerset Road between New Street and Bakers Court with the works due to finish on Saturday.
Angry communters have asked why the council have allowed so many roadworks to take place at the same time.
One said “Surely they could have planned this better so that only one or two roadworks take place at the same time?”
Another added “Not only is it going to put people off going to the shops, but with so much congestion it is a worry if emergency vehicles are able to get through”.
Kent County Council, the authority responsible for maintaining the county’s roads, has been approached for comment, but has so far failed to answer.
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