Gas main replacement works on Ramsgate Road in Margate are likely to continue until at least the end of the month.
SGN is carrying out works to upgrade the network as part of a 30-year programme replacing old metal pipes with new plastic pipe.
Work began on January 16 and was scheduled to be completed by March 10 but further works are now taking place until at least March 31 while another phase of gas mains replacement has also been started by the Star Lane roundabout.
Works began on January 16 from outside the QEQM Hospital entrance and the junction of Salmestone Road meaning the closure of the northbound carriageway of A254 Ramsgate Road between these locations and a signed diversion route via A256 Westwood Road
A closure was also put in place at Nash Court Road at its junction with A254 Ramsgate Road.
Work scheduled from March 13 between property 321A Ramsgate Road and the Star Lane roundabout has also started with the closure of Ramsgate Road to southbound motorists near to its junction with Sloe Lane for safety. There is also no access to Star Lane from this roundabout.
County Councillor Barry Lewis says he has been informed engineering problems have caused a delay to the schedule.
He said: “This is having a disastrous effect on traffic all around Thanet. I have expressed, on behalf of the residents in the Salmestone/Ramsgate Road area, my frustration at the massive disruption to businesses and residents.
“I have asked to be updated. The public up until this point have not been informed about the delays. The whole situation is farcical and apparently they do not even know how long the delays will be for. The situation has been made even worse by the start of more roadworks by Sloe Lane which is multiplying the traffic problems.”
Cllr Lewis said further traffic lights installed on Ramsgate Road by Southern Water ahead of planned utility works by the company will now be removed after he raised it with the county council. Those works have been postponed.
In an information leaflet SGN says: “We understand people can get frustrated by roadworks. However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that when the work is complete, Margate residents and businesses will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”
SGN has been asked for further details.
