A21 near Tonbridge closed for 10 days for repairs to Manor Farm subways and Medway Viaduct
09:43, 05 February 2020
updated: 09:46, 05 February 2020
A road will be closed in both directions for 10 days for essential subway and viaduct repairs.
The A21 will be closed through Tonbridge from 10pm on Friday, February 14.
While the work is underway, drivers will be unable to use the stretch of road between Sevenoaks Weald Interchange and Vauxhall Lane Interchange until 6am on Monday, February 24.
Leading up to the closure, there will also be overnight lane closures from Monday, February 10 to Thursday, February 13.
The road is shut so the Manor Farm subway can be rebuilt and to allow for repairs to parts of the Medway Viaduct.
Highways England said: "We have scheduled this work in one go rather than over consecutive weekends following feedback on previously planned timings.
"We're also using the half term week when there is less school run traffic."
Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys as delays are expected.
Signed diversion routes will be in place, with traffic being diverted onto the B245 through Hildenborough.
The roadworks were scheduled to take place in January but were postponed at the last minute.
At the time, Cllr Mark Hood criticised Highways England for how they handled the cancellation.
He said: "The first anyone knew about it was just before Christmas when they put up these massive yellow signs in the high street.
"But now the signs have gone, there is no communication from them.
"If you go on the website it says 'these works are to be confirmed' but when you phone up the operators give me full detailed closure times so it is very confusing and highly unsatisfactory."
Today, the organisation's website still states work is "planned" and the dates are "TBC".
Highway England offer a text messaging service to keep motorists up to date with developments. Text A21CS to 60163.
Further information about the works can be discovered from the Highways Agency engagement van, which will be located at Watergate in Tonbridge, on Wednesday and Thursday, February 5 and 6, from 10am until 4pm.
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