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A2 Gas main replacement

Update 7 May

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) is continuing to replace the old gas mains with new plastic pipe along the A2, Newington to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply.

SGN has completed its phase of work in Keycol Hill at Key Street roundabout and has safely re-opened the A2 to all motorists including HGV’s.

Over the coming three weeks engineers will be replacing the gas main along the A2 outside property No.102 High Street and Eden Meadows.

For everyone’s safety temporary traffic lights have been installed around the work area at Eden Meadows. SGN has also employed ‘give and take’ traffic management for everyone’s safety around the site outside No.102 High Street.

SGN continues to plan the final phases of work in consultation with Kent County Council. All being well SGN plans to complete all the necessary upgrades by the end of June 2020.

SGN would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their continued patience and understanding while they carry out this essential work.

Update of major gas works: A2/ High Street, Newington ~  UPDATE 30 April 2020

While working onsite in Keycol Hill, SGN's contractor has encountered some engineering difficulties. In close consultation with Kent County Council they need to extend their work at this location until Tuesday 5 May. Upon completion of the engineering work SGN will begin the process of reinstatement. For everyone’s safety, the A2/Keycol Hill westbound lane will remain reduced and restricted to access only for smaller vehicles and deliveries. All other motorists will need to follow the signed diversion route in place.

SGN is continuing to plan further phases of their work in consultation with Kent County Council. For their next phase they will be working in between No.102 High Street and Boyces Hill and will provide details of plans once confirmed.

SGN apologises for any inconvenience these changes may cause and will be doing everything can to minimise disruption and complete our replacement as safely and quickly as possible.

Update of major gas works: A2/ Hight Street, Newington - UPDATE Wednesday 22 April.

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) is continuing to replace the old gas mains with new plastic pipe along the A2, Newington to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply.

SGN has reported that they have completed the phase of work in the High Street, Newington, earlier than planned. To minimise future disruptions for the local community SGN collaborated with Kent County Council allowing them to carry out resurfacing works within the temporary road closure. KCC Highways has now completed its project and SGN will be able to safely reopen the High Street to local traffic and smaller vehicles by tomorrow afternoon (23 April).

SGN engineers continue to upgrade the network in Keycol Hill at Key Street roundabout. For everyone’s safety the A2/ Keycol Hill westbound lane remains reduced and restricted to access only for smaller vehicles and deliveries. All other motorists will need to follow the signed diversion route in place.

The official diversion route for HGV’s remains in place via A2, A249 > M2 > Hoath Way > A2. All commuters need plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey.

SGN continues to plan further phases of  work in consultation with Kent County Council Highways. Details of SGN's plans will be published once confirmed. Updates about the project can be found on the SGN dedicated page at sgn.co.uk

SGN would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their continued patience and understanding while they carry out this essential work.

Update 24 March 2020

From Thursday 2 April, the A2 will be closed for approximately 4 weeks between Bull Lane and Wickham close. Pedestrian access will be maintained and there will 2 official diversion routes:

Smaller diversion, smaller vehicles and local traffic :Breach Lane - The Street - Raspberry Hill Lane - Pld Ferry Road - The Street - Ferry Road - Sheppey Way

Larger diversions for HGVs and larger vehicles: A2 - A249 - M2 - Hoath Way - A2

 

While the engineers are working in the High Street, Church Lane will also be closed. Bull Lane will be one way and there will be no entry at Wormdale Hill. Access to the Bull Inn and The Willows will be maintained.

 

Work will be simultaneous at Keycol Hill and Key Street roundabout. The A2 / Keycol Hill westbound will have a width restriction. All other motorists will have to follow the signed diversion in place.

 

Any questions contact the SGN Customer Services Team on 0800 9121700

 

 

 

Update of major gas works: A2 High Street, Newington – Tuesday, 24 December

Following the postponement of work in November, SGN will be returning to London Road, Newington on Monday 6 January to continue upgrading the gas network.

In close consultation with Kent County Council from Monday 6 January, SGN will be working to the east of Newington Industrial Estate, between properties 97 and 111 London Road. For everyone’s safety around the site, SGN will need to install temporary two-way traffic lights for approximately two weeks.

To guarantee gas supplies to properties in the area, SGN needs to revise its programme of works, especially as they have entered the winter period where the gas demand increases. From Monday 20 January 2020, SGN will be upgrading its network in the A2, working in Keycol Hill by Rook Lane, Sittingbourne. For everyone’s continued safety, temporary two-way traffic lights will be in place around the work area for approximately six weeks.

SGN has further work to carry out along the A2, Newington. SGN is continuing to plan this and their revised programme of works with the local authority. SGN will share all the information with once details have been confirmed.

SGN appreciates everyone's understanding and patience while they carry out essential gas mains replacement work in the area.

Update of major gas works: A2 High Street, Newington – Monday, 18 November 

SGN engineers have inserted the new plastic pipe for phase 2 of the replacement project. Following completion of the reinstatement, SGN expectS to safely reopen Mill Lane to motorists today, 18 November. The temporary traffic lights will move along the A2 to the High Street, just west of Callaways Lane to ensure everyone’s safety whilst SGN carries out a diversion to the gas pipe. It is expected that these engineering works to last approximately three weeks.

Upon completion of this work the road surface will be restored and all SGN equipment will be safely removed from site. SGN continues to work closely with Kent County Council to plan future phases in the new year and will share details with the local community once confirmed.

SGN would like to thank residents, traders and road users for their continued patience and understanding while they carry out this essential work.

Update ~ 31 October 2019

Following feedback received, SGN has advised that Mill Lane will be now be closed on Thursday 31 October from approximately 12 noon. A signed diversion route will be in place for motorists via Spade Lane, Meresborough Lane, Dane Lane, The Street, Hollow Lane and Lower Hartlip Hill. There will also be temporary traffic lights at the junction of Mill Lane with the A2 to carry out the necessary upgrades.

 

Update 29 October 2019

Following agreement from Kent County Council, SGN will continue to carry out network upgrades along the A2/ High Street, Newington.

To ensure everyone’s safety, temporary traffic lights remain in place on the A2 / London Road around the work area at the junction with Spade Lane.

From approximately 12 noon on Wednesday 30 October, SGN will need to temporarily close Mill Lane for approximately four weeks. A signed diversion route will be in place for motorists via Spade Lane, Meresborough Lane, Dane Lane, The Street, Hollow Lane and Lower Hartlip Hill. SGN will also have temporary traffic lights at the junction of Mill Lane with the A2 to carry out the necessary upgrades.

Commuters are encouraged to please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey. Updates about the SGN project can be found on their dedicated page - SGN website.

SGN appreciates your understanding and patience while they carry out essential gas mains replacement work and they welcome any feedback or questions.

 

Update ~ 17 October 2019

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) is continuing to carry out network upgrades along the A2/ High Street, Newington. They will shortly be carrying out preparation work for when they move into Phase 2 of their project between Spade Lane to Mill Lane from Monday 21 October.

To ensure everyone’s safety, temporary traffic lights remain in place on the A2 / London Road around the work area. SGN manually controls their lights Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 7.30pm, and between 8am and 5pm on Saturdays. These lights will still be in operation outside of these times.

Oak Lane and Canterbury Lane will be fully reopened once phase one is completed. Wallbridge Lane will also resume two-way traffic flow.

From approximately 12 noon on Monday 21 October, Mill Lane will need to be temporarily closed for approximately four weeks. Signed diversion routes will be in place for motorists via Spade Lane, Meresborough Lane, Dane Lane, The Street, Hollow Lane and Lower Hartlip Hill.

Following consultation with Kent County Council and Medway Council, advanced warning signs can only be positioned on Kent County Council's geographical area.

SGN encourages all commuters to please plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey. Updates about the project can be found on SGN's dedicated web page.

SGN appreciates your understanding and patience while they carry out essential gas mains replacement work.

 

Update ~ 4 October 2019

SGN engineers continue to upgrade the gas pipe in London Road at its junction with Oak Lane, Hartlip Hill. For everyone’s safety around the site, temporary traffic lights remain in place around the work area.

In agreement with Kent County Council to keep everyone safe, a temporary 30mph speed limit is in place and traffic will be able to enter Oak Lane from London Road. Canterbury Lane will be closed and Wallbridge Lane made one way with a signed diversion in place. Vehicles heavier than 7.5 tons will not be permitted to use side roads.

Following consultation with Highways England and Medway, an alternative route will not be in place for HGVs and no permit scheme will be used at this stage. SGN has given assurances that it will continue to update local residents on the development of the work.

SGN appreciates everyone's understanding and patience while they carry out essential gas mains replacement work in the area. Latest updates on the project can be found on their dedicated website page- SGN Website

Update 24 September 2019

Details of the forthcoming upgrade to the gas network A2/ High Street, Newington.

SGN'S project involves the essential replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply to the local area continues to be provided. SGN'S contractor, Forefront Utilities will be undertaking this work on their behalf.

In close consultation with Kent County Council, the project will start on Monday 30 September and last approximately 42 weeks.  4.5km of old gas mains underneath the A2 will be replaced, starting in London Road at its junction with Oak Lane, Hartlip Hill and progressing eastwards to Key Street Roundabout.

To keep everyone safe, there will be temporary traffic lights in place around the work area. The traffic lights will move as the work progresses eastwards along the road. The traffic lights will be manually controlled when the contractors are working to keep traffic flowing along the A2. The lights will be opereated Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 7.30pm, and between  8am and 5pm on Saturdays.

To help keep the traffic moving through the temporary traffic lights, there will be a signed diversion for HGVs throughout the project. HGVs will be diverted via the M2 to avoid the work completely. Local access for HGV deliveries will be maintained.

While the engineers are working close to Oak Lane and Mill Lane, these roads will be temporarily closed  at the junction with London Road. As soon as the work area has progressed safely past the junction, each side road will be fully reopened. Oak Lane will be closed from Monday 30 September for approximately four weeks to ensure everybody’s safety. Then Mill Lane will need to be closed and other side roads as the project progresses. Signed diversion routes will be in place for motorists.

SGN is continuing to plan the future phases of its work in consultation with Kent County Council and will provide details of their plans once confirmed.

SGN understands that people can get frustrated by roadworks. However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that when the work is complete, local residents and businesses will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.

A map and updates on SGN's project can be found on their dedicated website page here.

 

Update ~ 23 September 2019

The A2 gas works planned to commence on 16 September were delayed until next year in order to provided sufficient time for all parties to carefully plan local traffic management and to address a number of concerns raised since the emergency works were carried out during the summer.

SGN has since reviewed the risk to the current gas supply and is concerned that there is a high likelihood that emergency works will occur along this stretch of gas main when the demand increases the pressure within the existing main on the A2 probably in the next few weeks.

In carefully considering the request from SGN for the works to commence on 30 September and recognising that an emergency response is likely to be highly impactive, KCC has agreed a number of key measures which must be put in place to reduce the impact on the local communities.

SGN will ensure that there is an HGV restriction on the A2 through a traffic regulation order in place for the total of the 42-week duration of the works. Local access for HGV deliveries will be managed by a local permit scheme and the details are currently being considered. A HGV diversion using the M2 will be in place and KCC will seek support from Kent Police and Highways England to support compliance of the HGV restriction and observance of the official diversion route and will also consider any other measures which may be appropriate.

KCC will place restrictions on local roads which have been identified as wholly unsuitable for any displaced traffic during the works and will sign roads which are not suitable for HGV access with appropriate signage should any HGVs access the local network in breach of the restriction. Width/weight restrictions will be placed as necessary on minor roads north of the A2, but these will need to allow access to properties/businesses on these roads.

Road closures will be considered as a last resort but consultation with affected residents/businesses on this will take place if these are thought to be required.

SGN has escalated their communications plan and will ensure close communication with key stakeholders and community points of contact including businesses. SGN will review their works progress weekly and ensure that communities are kept up to date with the progress of the works.

These measures should allow SGN to commence on phase 1 of their project to address the main at the Medway end up to the junction with Oak Lane/Spade Lane, Upchurch. Details of the diversion route will be released shortly.

KCC and SGN have increased resources to look at the traffic management plan for the remainder of the works and detailed plans will be communicated to affected communities including any identified options for local feedback.

 

Update ~ 4 September 2019

Southern Gas Networks has been advised that no planned works will be taking place on the A2 until next year. This will allow more time for the complex traffic management needs to be fully explored and addressed in a plan. SGN have made KCC Highways aware that some sections of the gas main may not survive the higher pressure demands of the autumn and may become emergencies.  All of the comments and suggestions from local residents and businesses will be fully explored as part of this process. The planning is unlikely to have any aspects for discussion for several weeks as the project managers investigate issues and design solutions.

KCC has agreed to delay the resurfacing of the A2 from Key Street to Upchurch until the SGN works are completed,