Major Road Closure in Maidstone Sparks Traffic Chaos
Drivers in Maidstone brace for big disruption as Loose Road (A229) shuts down until Sunday, 1 June. Urgent gas network repairs are underway to fix worn-out pipes along this vital route.
Gas Network Emergency: What’s Going On?
Southern Gas Networks (SGN) revealed engineers, alongside Kent County Council and WCB Utilities, are replacing ageing gas mains on Loose Road and Cripple Street. After multiple past repairs failed, experts found the pipes in dire condition. The fix? Brand-new, durable plastic piping designed to last around 80 years.
Work kicked off on Tuesday, 6 May, with crews working long hours and extra teams arriving from 12 May. Temporary traffic lights and possible further closures will be in place to protect both workers and the public.
Travel Tips: How to Navigate This Mess
- Residents and businesses can still access their properties via controlled points.
- Drivers are urged to follow official diversion routes and steer clear of smaller roads that aren’t built for heavy traffic.
- Bus routes are affected—passengers must check with operators for the latest info.
SGN Apologises but Promises Long-Term Gains
SGN apologised for the inconvenience but stressed the vital upgrade will save trouble for decades to come. For all the latest updates, head over to SGN’s project page.
