A TEMPORARY road has been opened to relieve severe traffic congestion in Sittingbourne caused by an excavator crashing into a bridge. It is now expected that the damaged bridge at Mill Way will be removed by October 21, at which time a single lane of traffic will be opened along Mill Way to allow the safe removal of the bridge supports on either side of the road.

Sittingbourne paper mill owners M-real have offered to meet the costs of the temporary road which goes from Mill Way, between St Paul's roundabout, and on to The Wall through the new Sittingbourne retail park next to the McDonald's restaurant.

This temporary traffic-light controlled access will not solve all of the difficulties facing road users but will help to alleviate some delays. Only cars and light vans are allowed to use it.

Mill manager Harald Schmid said: "We accept we are a significant part of Swale and wish to be seen assisting the town, its businesses and general public as much as possible. Although the mill did not create these problems we felt that our responsibilities towards the community are important enough to make this significant financial contribution.

"We would also like to thank Swale Borough Council for their continuing support at all levels during this very difficult period."

Pedestrian access will be maintained for as long as the safety of pedestrians and cyclists can be assured. However, it is thought likely that the current pathway may have to be closed for one day while the main structure of the bridge is removed. If it has to close then alternative routes are being investigated.

The mill has also sacrificed its rights for a new bridge over Mill Way which will eliminate the height restrictions which have faced heavy traffic for many years.

A planning application for a mill-only pedestrian access across Mill Way will be submitted shortly to provide safe access to the services over the road and access to the land on the wharf side of the road.

The height clearance of this access will be at least the current highways requirement for new bridges.