Update - Monday 31 August
Gas Network Upgrades – The Street Iwade -Update Monday 31 August
Although we have successfully installed the new section of pipe required for this project, we have been unable to complete the final stage of our gas network reinforcement on The Street, Iwade.
When investigating the planned connection point, we discovered the area is heavily congested with existing underground utilities, including other pipes and cables. Unfortunately, there is not enough space to safely carry out the connection works at this location.
We had explored the possibility of continuing excavations further along the road to identify an alternative connection point, using temporary traffic lights to manage traffic. However, following further assessment, this would not provide a safe traffic management arrangement for road users or our workforce.
As of Friday 28 August, the road is now reopened, but we will now need to investigate alternative options for completing this reinforcement project or plan to return at a later date to undertake the remaining work.
We understand this will be disappointing news, particularly after the disruption caused by the works, and we would like to thank residents, businesses and the wider Iwade community for their patience and understanding throughout this project.
Once we have identified a suitable solution and confirmed our next steps, we will contact residents and key stakeholders with further information about the remaining work.
We're sorry for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your continued patience and support.
Update - Friday 14 August
We've encountered some engineering difficulties while installing the new gas main along The Street as we continue to upgrade our gas network in the Iwade area.
To ensure access remains open for residents' car parks, our engineers have been working in small sections, which limits our progress. The team have also had to excavate carefully around electric cables and underground infrastructure, adding to the time required to complete this phase safely.
Following discussions with Kent County Council and National Highways, we've agreed to extend the road closure here until Monday 24 August. However, we're working as quickly as we can and we'll reopen the road earlier if conditions allow. Please continue to check this page for updates.
Thank you to the local community for your continued patience and understanding while we complete this essential work to keep everyone safe and warm.
We're carrying out essential gas network upgrades in the Sheppey Way area. This work will ensure a continued safe and reliable supply of gas is delivered to nearby homes and businesses.
Working to keep you safe and warm
What we're doing
We'll be replacing our old metal pipes as part of our 30-year programme of work to upgrade our old mains, reaching the end of their useful lives. We'll also be reinforcing a section of our network to maintain a reliable supply of gas here.
When we're working
Our work will start on Monday 8 June and be carried out in five phases to help minimise disruption. This project is expected to last approximately six months.
Where we'll be working
Phase one
- We started work along Sheppey Way on Mon 8 Jun.
- This phase of work is expected to last eight weeks.
- Our engineers will be upgrading our network between Sheppey Way's junction with Ferry Road to just past the entrance to Kite Packaging Ltd.
- Temporary traffic lights will be installed around our work area to ensure everyone's safety.
Phase two
- Our engineers will then start work in The Street from Mon 3 Aug.
- This phase will involve our teams reinforcing the gas network between School Lane and The Woolpack pub.
- We'll be installing 95m of larger pipe, using open cut trenching, to ensure we can maintain a reliable supply of gas to the area.
- During this time, The Street will be closed to motorists around our site. A signed diversion route will be in place.
Phase three
- We'll then move into Ferry Road from [DATE TBC].
- Ferry Road will be closed outside the Village Hall for safety.
- All being well, this phase will finish by Fri 26 Aug.
Phase four
- We'll return to complete the remaining work along Sheppey Way from Tue 1 Sep.
- Temporary traffic lights will be reinstalled around our work area during this phase.
Phase five
- Our engineers will finish our project in School Lane.
- This phase will begin from Mon 26 Oct and last approximately four weeks.
- We'll be replacing our old pipes between Herons Park Playing Field and the private road leading to School Lane and Yew Tree House.
- School Lane will be closed between these locations to motorists during phase five.
A map outlining the closure areas and diversion routes can be found below.
We understand roadworks can be frustrating. We'll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption while we complete this essential work.
Important information
Vehicle access
Where roads are closed, access will be maintained for residents if safe to do so.
Cyclist access
Cyclists are requested to dismount and walk through the closure points. Pedestrian access is unaffected by the closures.
Bus routes
Routes and services will be impacted while The Street and Ferry Road are closed. We recommend passengers contact their provider for updates to routes and stop locations.
Refuse collections
We're working closely with Swale Borough Council to ensure collections can still be made while roads are closed. The council will notify you of any changes to collection arrangements.