Proposed A2 Road Closure

Please find below a letter sent from Gordon Henderson MP to Kent Highways, which has also been sent to the local media, with regards to the proposed closure of the A2 at Newington between 25th July and 2nd September 2011.

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I am writing to express my anger and dismay at the decision taken by Kent Highways to issue a licence to Southern Electric/Gas that will allow their repair contractors, Morrisons, to close the A2 at Newington for up to six weeks. This is simply unacceptable.

We are not talking here about closing a secondary or a side road; the A2 is the main route to and from Sittingbourne and the Medway Towns!

I understand that motorists wishing to travel to the Medway Towns are being advised to use the A249 and the M2. That is equally unacceptable; the A2 is well used during the morning and evening rush hours and diverting more traffic along the A249 will exacerbate problems at the Stockbury roundabout, which is already heavily congested at peak times.

There are back lanes in Newington that would allow traffic to by-pass the proposed road closure, but these are not suitable for heavy goods vehicles or a large volume of traffic, which is presumably why Southern Electric/Gas are not setting up a formal diversion route using those lanes.

I am simply at a loss to understand why a two way traffic-light system cannot be put in place to ensure that the A2 is kept open.

I would urge you to reconsider the implications of the A2 closing for such a lengthy period, rescind the licence and insist that contractors come up with a different scheme that will minimise disruption for local residents and motorists alike.

GORDON HENDERSON MP
Sittingbourne and Sheppey