HEAVY traffic problems in Sittingbourne are likely to last for at least another three weeks while a bridge is demolished after an excavator crashed into it. It was originally thought the road misery would only last up to a fortnight.

Problems for drivers have been made even worse because of resurfacing work along the A2 near Bapchild, as well as pipelaying works in the middle of Newington.

The bridge to be demolished is in Mill Way - one of the town's main access routes - and is the responsibility of the neighbouring paper mill owned by Finnish company M-real. )

Company spokesman David Scudder said: "We obviously regret the need for the road closure under the bridge and fully understand the effect on individuals and businesses in Swale. Our own business has been materially affected, but we believe the health and safety of road users must come before our wish to re-open the road.

"Works will be undertaken and completed as quickly as possible but various mill services must be diverted before the demolition can begin."

The unique metal bridge dates from 1922 and it used to carry the tracks of a narrow gauge railway leading to Ridham Dock. The Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway now uses some of the line leading away from the bridge, but will not be affected by the demolition.

However, the bridge carries electrical and effluent services from the mill and these will have to be relocated before the bridge is removed.

Pedestrian access along the footpath under the mill side of the bridge will continue for as long as the safety of pedestrians can be assured. Scaffolding has been erected under the bridge.

The excavator was on a low loader owned by A M Plant Hire, of Medway City Estate, Strood. Driver Eddie Honeysett, 35, of Chatham, was taken to hospital but was not detained.

The accident happened last Thursday. The excavator was not freed from the bridge until early the following morning.