Kentish Express Ashford & District
Gas works force closure of A251 for four weeks
A 25-day closure of the A251 started this week - forcing drivers heading out of Ashford to go miles out of their way.
The route linking the town with Faversham is shut in both directions at Badlesmere, near to the Red Lion pub.
A long-winded 23-mile diversion is in place taking drivers along the A252, A28 and A2.
The road is used by thousands each day and its lengthy closure is of great inconvenience for those regularly taking the direct route to the M2.
Those taking the official detour face a section of 20mph limit on the A252 due to resurfacing works, before being met with temporary traffic lights on the ever-congested A28 at Thanington
on the approach to Canterbury.
The closure, which is to allow SGN to carry out gas mains works, is also resulting in diverted bus services.
The 666 bus from Ashford to
Faversham will be diverted to Canterbury from Challock, at the Halfway House. Passengers will then need to catch a different service to reach Faversham.
A statement from Stagecoach reads: “Our Canterbury team will endeavour to ensure connections are made between the 666 and 3/3X services, however, should traffic conditions not allow us to hold buses, you may have to wait slightly longer then usual.”
The Faversham to Challock bus service has been temporarilyaxedasaresultofthework.
The work is hoped to be complete by August 20. During the work, the Red Lion is remaining open, with access to its car park being maintained throughout.