Tuesday 09:30
The Highways Agency is asking drivers to find alternative routes whilst essential waterproofing work is being carried out on the A21 near Tonbridge, Kent. The work is taking place in two stages between Friday 7 September and Wednesday 12 September and Friday 14 September - Friday 21 September.
In order to get the work done in the quickest time possible, the work will take place continuously over two separate weeks. Drivers will see the benefits of new waterproofing and surfacing on the bridges, which will provide longer lasting durable surfaces. This will minimise any further repairs from water damage in the future providing value for money and investing in improved services.
Stage 1: 7 - 12 September (or 14 - 17 September if weather conditions are not suitable)
Road users planning to use the A21 are advised that the coastbound carriageway near Tonbridge will be closed during the weekend of September 7 - 10 between the A21 Upper Haysden Lane Bridge and Vauxhall Lane. A fully signed diversion route will be in place directing traffic through Tonbridge using the B245, A227, A26 to rejoin the A21 at the coastbound entry slip road at Vauxhall Lane bridge.
Stage 2: 14 September - 21 September (or 21 - 28 September if weather conditions are not suitable)
Road users planning to use the A21 are advised that the Londonbound carriageway of the A21 Vauxhall Lane bridge will be reduced to single lane running over the weekend of 14 to 17 September. Road users will be unable to leave the A21 Londonbound at the A2014 exit slip road at Vauxhall Lane. Road users travelling to Tonbridge will continue Londonbound to Morleys Interchange and rejoin the A21 coastbound to leave the A21 at Vauxhall Lane. From 17 - 21 September a lane two closure will be in place and access to the Londonbound A2014 exit slip road at Vauxhall Lane will be available.
Ing Fischer, Highways Agency route manager for Kent said:
"This essential work will provide road users with a long lasting road surface over the bridges, avoiding the need to carry out further ad hoc repairs in the future. Our ability to complete the work as scheduled over both weekends is heavily dependent on good weather conditions in order to allow materials to be applied successfully. We will make a decision by 4pm on the Thursday before the works are planned and if the weather conditions are not right we will aim to complete the works as close to the programmed dates as possible. We thank drivers for their patience whilst we carry out these works and we would ask road users to plan their journey by using the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk and listen to the radio for travel updates on the day of their journey."
Notes to Editors
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. Real -time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is now available:
* From our new Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk To tune into the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio".
* On the internet at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).
3. Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.
4. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)
Safe driving at roadworks
During 2006 two workers were killed and 19 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.
For the safety of all road users and roadworkers, when you are approaching roadworks:
* Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. * Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching. * Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. * Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering roadworks. * Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. * Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
Issued by the Highways Agency South East Press Office.
Client ref SE175-07
