The school holidays have seen Kent County Council (KCC) approve a raft of road closures this summer, which are leading to some large diversions for motorists.
Roadworks conducted by various utilities companies as well as KCC Highways and East Sussex County Council, have led to lengthy alternative routes of more than 40km for drivers.
Eridge Road in Eridge Green has been closed between Sham Farm Road and Bunny Lane. The diversion identified by East Sussex County Council ran via Bunny Lane and Frant Road (A267), then via the Uckfield Bypass (A26) and Eridge Road (A26) – a total of 43 km.
Disruption
Other diversions include works by BT Openreach in Tong Road, Brenchley set for August 21 that will see motorists forced to take a 16km diversion.
In Horsmonden, works by UK Power networks will see residents wanting to use the Maidstone Road also have to take a 16km diversion.
Openreach works between Hunters Cottages and Little Conghurst in Hawkhurst scheduled for August 22 until August 26 will see motorists have to take a 6km diversion.
In Tunbridge Wells itself, a road closure for gas works outside number 11 Quarry Road on August 20-21 will send town centre drivers on two diversions of 1.9 or 1.2km.
“We must balance the need to allow access with being able to keep Kent moving, which is why we often ask for roadworks to be carried out during school holidays when the risk of disruption is lower.
Despite the raft of closures and diversions, a KCC say the summer holidays were the best time to carry out such works.
A spokesman for the authority said: “As well as carrying out maintenance on our roads we are responsible for co-ordinating all works on the highway including that of utility companies with a view to minimising disruption from any conflicting works.
“Utility companies provide essential water, energy and communications to residents and businesses and they have a duty to maintain these services.
“While it is not always possible to co-ordinate this, particularly where works are urgent, we insist that anyone working on our network communicates this clearly to those affected.”
