Angry motorists have hit out at highways bosses over “ridiculously timed” roadworks causing rush-hour gridlock.

For three weeks drivers heading into Canterbury have been delayed by temporary traffic lights installed to allow gasworks to take place on the A28 Sturry Road.

The congestion has been eased somewhat by motorists avoiding the impacted stretch and instead using a popular rat-run through Broad Oak to get into the city.

But this route has now been completely shut off for water works, pushing all traffic back onto the A28 and causing a standstill on the approach to Sturry from Herne Bay and Thanet.

However, one motorist who drove through Broad Oak this morning – along Sweechgate and Shalloak Road – says there was no sign of any work taking place, or contractors at the scene.

He has questioned the decision to shut Shalloak Road while the A28 gasworks – which are scheduled to end this week – are still ongoing.

“It just makes no sense,” he told KentOnline.

“I could understand it if it was an emergency, but there was absolutely nothing going on in Broad Oak this morning and not a workman in sight.

It usually takes me less than 10 minutes to get from Herne to Broad Oak, and this morning it was about an hour…

“Loads of cars were just completely ignoring the road closure and driving right through.

“Surely it would have been better to wait until the traffic lights were off the A28 before shutting the only alternative route completely? The timing is ridiculous.

“It usually takes me less than 10 minutes to get from Herne to Broad Oak, and this morning it was about an hour.”

One.network – a website monitoring traffic disruptions – shows that the A28 works are set to run from February 21 until tomorrow, with this entry last updated a week ago.

It also states the Shalloak Road closure was enforced yesterday morning and is expected to be in place until Monday, although these dates are subject to change.

KentOnline revealed this week that almost a third of road closures in the county are breaking the rules, with an audit finding cases where routes had been shut with no work started

South East Water’s regional network manager, Andy Beston, said: “We’re sorry for any disruption caused by our work to repair a leak on a pipe within Shalloak Road, Broad Oak.

“To ensure the safety of both motorists and our teams working to fix the pipe, a road closure is required.

“Before the road was closed, we worked closely with Kent Highways to find the most appropriate time to carry out the repair which became more urgent as time went on.

“To prevent the leak worsening, resulting in customers losing their supply, the repair has to be brought forward.

“I’m pleased to say the pipe has now been fixed and the road is due to open in the coming days.”