Update - Tuesday 18 August
Our engineers are making great progress upgrading our gas network. We've installed around 150m of new plastic pipe on Linton Hill, and a further 100m on Linton Road towards Loose.
Upon excavating for the next phase of the project, we discovered pre-existing damage to drainage pipes, along with a fresh water leak from an unknown source that is filling our excavation area. This means we can't continue our work safely until the affected assets have been inspected and repaired by Southern Water and South East Water.
While arrangements are being made for these repairs, our temporary traffic lights will need to remain in place. We understand this may be frustrating and appreciate your patience while the issue is resolved. To help minimise disruption, we have kept our traffic management operative on site to monitor and adjust the signal timings where possible to help ease traffic flow.
In the meantime, our engineering team has moved on to continue work in Norrington Road. We will return to Linton Road and resume the project as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
We’re also pleased to confirm that our work on Busbridge Road has now been completed and the road has fully reopened to traffic.
Thank you for your understanding and support while we continue to upgrade the local gas network.
We’re upgrading our gas network in the Loose and Linton areas of Maidstone. This essential work will ensure nearby homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply. It forms part of our 30-year programme to replace ageing mains with new, long-lasting plastic pipe.
Our contractor, I&G Contracting, will begin work from Monday 1 June.
Phase one
Busbridge Road – from Monday 1 June for approx 12 weeks
We’re installing a new, larger gas pipe from outside Pimps Court to outside Forge Meadow. For everyone’s safety, Busbridge Road will be closed to through traffic around our moving work area.
- Vehicle access for residents and business vehicles will be maintained if it is safe to do so
- Pedestrian access will be unaffected
- Cyclists must dismount and walk through the work area
- Signed diversion route will be in place via Well Street, Forstal Lane and Stockett Lane
Phase Two
A229 Linton Hill – from Wednesday 22 July for approx three weeks
We’re replacing old mains and services from Hill Top Cottages to the Heath Road junction. Temporary traffic lights will replace the existing signals at the Linton crossroads.
A229 Linton Road – from Wednesday 22 July for approx 27 weeks
We’ll replace ageing mains and services from the crossroads to the Loose Road junction. Temporary traffic lights will be in place as we progress. Due to the road’s busy nature, an operative will be on site 7am–7pm to help keep traffic moving.
Phase Three
Old Loose Hill – from Monday 25 January for approx three weeks
We’ll carry out complex pipe connections near the Salts Lane junction. Old Loose Hill will be closed around our work area with signed diversions.
Salts Lane – from Monday 25 January for approx seven weeks
We’re replacing pipes from Old Loose Hill for 200m to outside Gurneys Cottage. Salts Lane will be closed in short sections as we progress, with diversions in place.
The new plastic pipe has an 80-year lifespan, meaning residents and businesses will benefit from a safe, reliable gas supply long into the future.
If you have a question or want to get in touch, please contact us here. You can also speak to our team on site or call our customer team on 0800 912 1700.
We thank the community for their support and understanding while we carry out this essential work to maintain the gas network.