Ramsgate Road in Margate will be shut in both directions between Salmestone Road and St Augustine’s Avenue from 8pm tonight (March 27) due to gas leaks.
Gas company SGN has been working in Ramsgate Road between the entrance of the QEQM Hospital and its junction with Salmestone Road since January 16 to upgrade the network as part of a 30-year programme replacing old metal pipes with new plastic pipe.
The work had been estimated to finish by March 10 by SGN said engineering difficulties resulted in slower than expected progress and a mid-April end date was estimated. Then the gas firm said a further lot of work meant a three week closure both ways on Ramsgate Road between Salmestone Road and St Augustine’s Avenue from April 15, meaning works will go on into May.
Emergency closure
Now a closure in both directions will go in place tonight because of gas leaks and is expected to remain for three weeks.
SGN spokesman Dan Brown said: “We need to close A254 Ramsgate Road to motorists in both directions from 8pm this evening after further leaks were discovered on our network, near to where our engineers have been working to upgrade our old pipes.
“We’ve liaised closely with Kent Highways on the need for this emergency road closure to ensure everyone’s continued safety while we investigate the source of the leaks.
“A section of A254 Ramsgate Road has been shut to northbound motorists while we’ve been replacing our old metal mains, but we now need to close the road in both directions between its junctions with Salmestone Road and St Augustine’s Avenue. A signed diversion is in place for affected road users.
“This closure is expected to last approximately three weeks. We’re working as quickly and safely as possible to complete this essential work.
“We understand roadworks can be frustrating for residents and motorists. We’d like to thank the Margate community for your continued patience while we work to ensure everyone stays safe and warm.”
