Controversial works to extend a bus lane in Sturry Road have sensationally been put on hold, the Gazette can reveal.

In a surprise development yesterday, Kent County Council revealed the proposal had stalled, blaming in part the five months of disruption construction work would cause.

Mature trees have already been uprooted in preparation for the project, which was due to see a new bus, taxi and cycle lane created.

But fresh fears over the level of disruption and complexity of diverting pipes and cables have thrown the project into doubt.

Kent County Council has pledged to continue working with Canterbury City Council to keep the project alive but it is believed appetite for the plan is dwindling.

KCC spokesman Thom Morris said: “The project is a complex one that requires the diversion and lowering of a number of overground and underground ducts, cables, pipes and poles.

“Recent information received relating to diversions means the time it will take to build will be about 20 weeks and makes the implementation of this scheme far more disruptive to the residents than was previously indicated.

“This, along with concerns that the already congested diversion route would not be able to cope with the additional traffic has concluded in a decision to put on hold the proposals until further notice.”

It was hoped the restructure, which was earmarked to start next month, would reduce congestion once completed.

However, the plans faced a wave of criticism after it was announced the busy commuter route will be just one-way between Vauxhall Road and South Street for 20 weeks.

But the new bus, taxi and bicycle lane is now covered in a cloud of uncertainty following council officials’ decision to slam on the brakes.

A spokesman added: “Additional consultation with businesses and residents immediately affected will also take place.

“A report containing revised proposals from mitigating the effect of the work will be taken to Canterbury City Council Joint Transportation Board in due course.”