Major pipe repairs on the A256, which have closed the southbound carriageway, could hold up plans to make permanent improvements to Sandwich Tollbridge.

Southern Water is yet to say how long it will take to repair a burst sewer main under the road, which occurred before Christmas.

Because of the difficult ground beneath the road just in front of Discovery Park, the firm says an in-depth survey must be completed before it can be fixed.

In the meantime southbound motorists travelling from Richborough are advised to take the designated diversion along Ramsgate Road and Monks Way before rejoining the A256.

But many are choosing to continue along Ramsgate Road over the tollbridge to help spread the flow.

Southern Water vehicles are also relying on the route to access the Sandwich Quay car park where they have stationed tankers to manage flows.

Closure of this alternative route - essential for the tollbridge works - could result in gridlock along the single-lane Sandwich bypass.

Kent County Council councillor Sue Chandler says she is making the case for more information to plan ahead for the tollbridge works, which were hoped to be completed before The Open 2020 in July.

She said: “The issues along the A256 are complicating the planning of works for the tollbridge.

“I’ve raised concern with the cabinet member for Highways and Transport Michael Payne who was already aware of both works, and we endeavour to get a timetable from Southern Water as well.”

Sandwich Tollbridge was closed for two weeks in June 2019 due to hydraulic and control issues.

It was described as a “bruising” experience for Sandwich particularly business owners.

Specialist mechanical and electrical engineers worked on behalf of KCC to refurbish a hydraulic unit enabling the dated swing bridge to open manually.

A secondary hydraulic unit was delivered in August to provide additional backup but further permanent repairs were always expected.

Cllr Chandler says the tollbridge works would take weeks, not months.

A Southern Water spokesman said: “As repair work continues on our pipe deep under the built-up section of the A256 near Discovery Park, Sandwich, we wish to apologise for the continued required road closure and resulting disruption to traffic in the area.

“Due to the very specialist nature of engineering work needed to access the pipe, work is not as quick as standard, shallower under-road works, but we are working to complete them as quickly as possible and have a lot going on in the background that may not be apparent to those passing by.

“We have also done our best to minimise the impact by keeping one lane open on the busier north bound carriageway open.

“To manage a separate repair we’ve installed temporary pipe along Sandwich Road to ensure wastewater removal for homes and businesses is not affected.

“Our first priorities are protecting the environment and ensuring customers are served.

“Local residents may have also noticed activity on the north bank of the Stour beyond Willow Bank. We are using tankers to manage flows while we work.

“We acknowledge there is additional pressure to the road network and again apologise for the disruption this is causing.”

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