Motorists are set to face delays from tomorrow as a major £1.8 million gas work programme resumes.

SGN is to replace nearly three miles of pipes along the A2 at Newington, near Sittingbourne, over 10 months.

The work began back in September but was postponed in November until the new year.

There has been a record number of leaks along the line leading to emergency repairs which caused widespread delays and the main road between Sittingbourne and Medway to be closed completely.

The company will be liaising with Kent County Council as it begins work to the east of Newington Industrial Estate, between numbers 97 and 111 London Road tomorrow.

A spokesman for SGN said: "Following the postponement of our work in November we'll be returning to London Road, Newington, on Monday, January 6, to continue upgrading our gas network.

"For everyone's safety around our site, we'll need to install temporary two-way traffic lights for approximately two weeks.

"To guarantee gas supplies to properties in the area we need to revise our programme of works, especially as we have entered the winter period where gas demand increases."

From Monday, January 20 the pipework along the A2 will be upgraded.

Work will begin in Keycol Hill by Rook Lane where temporary two-way traffic lights will be installed for about six weeks.

Further work is being planned and a revised programme of work with the council is still being discussed.

Updates will be posted on the SGN website www.sgn.co.uk

SGN engineering manager Simon Patient said in a previous comment: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and will be doing everything we can to limit disruption.

“We appreciate roadworks can be frustrating but the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

"This means once the work has been completed, Newington homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”

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