Updated - Tuesday 17 December
We're carrying out essential network upgrades in the Westerham Road area to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas continues to be delivered to nearby homes and businesses.
Our engineers have replaced sections of our networks in three completed phases, and we're our fourth phase is ongoing. This work is expected to be completed, and the road reinstated, by Tuesday 24 December. The temporary bus service outlined below will remain in place until the road is reopened.
Working to keep you safe and warm
What we're doing
We're replacing our old metal pipes in phases in the Westerham Road area. This is part of our 30-year programme of work to replace our old mains, reaching the end of their useful lives, with new, reliable plastic pipe.
When we're working
Our work starts on Monday 3 June and is expected to last approximately 28 weeks. This work will be split into four phases to minimise disruption from this essential project.
Phase four
Our engineers will be replacing our gas pipes in Rookery Road and New Road Hill from Monday 18 November.
For everyone's safety, we need to close Rookery Road between North End Lane and Farthing Street.
A signed diversion will be in place via Downe High Street, Luxted Road, Single Street, Jail Lane, Main Road, Leaves Green Road and Downe Road. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses.
The closure area will move north into New Road Hill as our work progresses.
Bus route 146 will terminate at Keston Church (on Westerham Road) during the closure period. We've arranged a private minibus to serve residents instead. The temporary shuttle service will collect residents at the 146 bus stop at Keston Church to serve Downe village, and will then return to this bus stop with any passengers wanting to travel towards Bromley. A timetable for this service can be found here.
This 12-seater shuttle bus is not accessible for wheelchair users. Buggies can be put on board if folded. Transport for London have advised that Dial-A-Ride would be the alternative for wheelchair users during the bus diversion.
Bus route R8 will run as usual during the works.
Affected roads will reopen on or before Friday 20 December.
We'll be holding a drop-in session at Downe Village Hall (26 High Street, Downe, BR6 7UT) from 5pm-7pm on Tuesday 12 November for residents and businesses to learn more about our project.
All our work is agreed in close consultation with the local authority and key stakeholders.
We understand roadworks can be frustrating. However, the new plastic pipe has a lifespan of 80 years. This means that once our work is done, residents and businesses will be able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable supply of gas for many years to come.