Upcoming A249 Traffic Delays

Swale Borough Council has issued a warning to motorists who are regular users of the A249 in the Sittingbourne area.

From Monday 22nd September, South East Water will be replacing 730 mtrs of water main, with a new tougher plastic, on the A249 between the M20 junction 7 and the M2 junction 5. The work is expected to last for up to seven weeks. Following a number of bursts it is being upgraded "to end the pain caused to motorists when urgent unplanned repairs are needed".

During this time Hayes Lane and Steps Hill Road, Stockbury will be closed for five days and the A249 north and southbound will be reduced to one lane and subject to delays.

The construction work will be carried out by Clancy Docwra on behalf of South East Water.

Della Fackrell, Resilience Partnership Manager for Swale Borough Council, told SFM News: "The work being carried out is essential maintenance. The pipe itself needs upgrading to reduce the number of water main bursts which mean when they occur, they can cause flooding and interruptions to drinking water supplies of nearby properties. Our advice to motorists is to avoid this area if possible as there will be delays to journeys throughout the seven week period".

James Smith, Delivery Manager at South East Water, told SFM News: "Pipelines are like arteries in the body and we need to keep them flowing to ensure the taps keep running. If a water main bursts, not only does it have a direct impact on our wider pipeline network, but it also causes inconvenience to customers and motorists while we carry out repairs."

For more information regarding the traffic managment meausres that will be in operation, please visit the South East Water website by clicking here.