A251 linking Ashford and Faversham closed from today for 25 days as traffic diverted to Canterbury
06:00, 27 July 2020
Today marks the start of a 25-day closure of the A251.
The route linking Faversham with Ashford is shut in both directions at Badlesmere, near to the Red Lion pub.
A long-winded 32-mile diversion is in place taking drivers along the A2, A28 and A252.
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.
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 temporarily axed as a result of the work.
The work is hoped to be complete by August 20.
Those wanting to head out of Faversham and down the A251 will be directed along the A2 to Canterbury.
Rather than take the turn-off at Harbledown, highways bosses want motorists to avoid the city and head further down the A2, taking the exit at Bridge and Bekesbourne for Howletts zoo.
They are then advised to loop back onto the London-bound A2 before getting off at Wincheap and taking the A28 to Chilham, where they will merge onto the A252 and come out on the A251 at Challock.
SGN spokesman Waseem Hanif said: “We’ll be replacing our old metal gas mains and services with new plastic pipe. Our essential work will ensure the community receives a continued and reliable gas supply for many years to come.
“We understand this is a busy route, so will be working as quickly and safely as possible.
“All going well, we hope to complete this project in approximately four weeks."
Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
Boy, 16, found safe after going missing nine days ago
- 2
‘This rat-run bridge isn’t wide enough - someone will be killed soon’
- 3
Only shop in village to shut this week as ‘devastated’ couple leave Kent
17 - 4
A-road shut in both directions after water main bursts
- 5
Bomb disposal truck spotted in town centre
