Fury as three bridges closed on same day
Villagers living around Maidstone found themselves trapped on Sunday when Kent Highways shut three bridges.
The crossings at East Farleigh, Teston and Wateringbury were all closed to traffic for level crossing maintenance by Network Rail.
One resident who came up against the barricades was Jacky Taylor of West Farleigh.
The 68-year-old was driving home with her husband after spending the night away when she encountered the road blocks. She said: “I’d seen an advance notice about East Farleigh a few weeks ago and then last week noticed Teston was being closed so I thought I’d be clever and try to cross at Wateringbury. But that was closed, too. I couldn’t believe it.
“It effectively closed off three villages - it was ridiculous planning. I have emailed Kent Highways complaining about the lack of thought.
“There weren’t even diversions. If you don’t know your way around here you’d be stuck. I saw lots of cars giving up and turning round.
“Luckily, I returned to East Farleigh and pleaded with the railway workers who let me through. I really don’t know what Kent Highways were thinking, allowing this. The work should have been staggered over three weekends.”
Wateringbury bridge, at Bow Hill, and East Farleigh bridge, in Farleigh Lane were shut from 1am on Sunday until 4am on Monday. They are both due to be closed again from 11pm on Saturday until 3.15am next Monday.
Teston bridge, in Teston Lane was closed from 8am to 6pm on Sunday to allow for a crossing inspection.