Roadworks cause headaches for rush hour drivers
Drivers faced a test of their nerves and patience as major roadworks on Maidstone bridge coincided with repairs to a gas leak.
Monday was the first time extra lane closures had to be put in place as part of work to improve the gyratory.
The closures, in place over part of the gyratory and Bishops Way, were needed for excavation works and drainage.
When finished two new lanes will allow drivers using the A229 towards Blue Bell Hill and Chatham to avoid going round the bridge system.
The £5.7 million project is now in its third phase, which included 24-hour lane closures starting on Monday, at 9.30am.
Tuesday morning was the first time rush hour traffic had to deal with the situation, in force until 6am on Wednesday.
Traffic stretched back round the one-way system, affecting the A249 Sittingbourne Road, and heavy traffic was reported on Loose Road, College Road and Hayle Road.
Lane closures could still be in place, but these will now be in offpeak times to avoid the morning and evening rush hours.
KCC has also organised a briefing for local business owners who will be affected by the works, at the Gallagher Stadium on Monday.
This meeting, which starts at 7.30am, will discuss future stages of work and completion which remains on track for November.
On Tuesday, a gas leak meant emergency roadworks were needed, causing further headaches.
Utility firm SGN installed temporary traffic lights on the A249 Sittingbourne Road, near the junction with Windsor Close, at 5pm on Tuesday evening.
The following morning, queues built up again with traffic stretching back almost a mile to the Eclipse Park between 7am and 8am.
At 9.15am the traffic lights were removed and the congestion began to ease.
SGN spokesman Claire Buchanan said: “For everyone’s safety, while we were working it was necessary to put temporary traffic lights in place.”
While no major roadworks are allowed while gyratory improvements take place, KCC can decide whether to allow emergency repairs.
SGN will need to resurface the road at a future date.