CONSTRUCTION teams working on the A21 Lamberhurst bypass have carried out one of the trickiest parts of the project - moving a river.

The diversion of the River Teise had been planned as part of work on the much-needed bypass, which is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2004.

On Tuesday experts on environment and local wildlife were on hand to see the first stage of work to divert the river from its current path to a new, slightly shorter route.

The operation involved a new channel being dug, lined with a special material to prevent erosion.

Using hay bails which helped the water flow slowly, a plug of earth was slowly removed allowing the water from the river to pass into the new channel.

Over the following days, the hay bails will allow the sediment from the river to pass into the new section.

The operation may also include moving gravel from the old river bed into the new one.

Dr Peter Lingwood, environment and public liaison manager, said: "We are very pleased that everything has gone to plan. The operation went very well I'm pleased to say."

The river needs to be diverted so that it passes under the bypass at a right angle.