Horton Kirby Road closures Update

The new scheduling date is yet to be confirmed but it’s hoped it will taken place during better daylight hours.

Having heard the KCCs highways inspector’s concern in relation to Franks Lane, we have highlighted that it’s unlikely the 3.25m distance would be met along the length of School Lane. We’ve encouraged the team to walk along School Lane this week to judge for themselves the problems this presents if the diversion route is needed when works commence.

FRANKS LANE - A highways inspector from KCC visited the maintenance work being carried out at Franks Lane today. It has been his decision to close Franks Lane until 14th November (dates may change), in accordance with “Safety at Streetworks“ legislation. It's understood this is because the 3.25m distance to allow passing traffic cannot be met and it's therefore a safety concern.

Residents from Saxon Place will be diverted along Eglantine Lane for their onward journey.

It’s acknowledged that the right turn onto the A20 has limited site of traffic that's heading in the direction of Brands Hatch. We have been advised that for safety reasons it may be necessary for a temporary No Right Turn to be introduced. It has been suggested to KCC that signs indicating “SLOW! Diverted traffic, emerging from Eglantine Lane“ should be displayed on the A20.

This would mean traffic will redirect towards Brands Hatch when exiting Eglantine Lane and to a point where it’s safe to make a U-turn.

It appears that KCC are yet to introduce any muted changes

EGLANTINE LANE - (stretch of road from Franks Lane to Rays Hill junction) - The road will remain closed until 14th November.

RAYS HILL - The road will be closed from 17th November for an estimated three week period.

THE STREET - The closure will commence as soon as the maintenance has been completed at Rays Hill and potentially reopened by 5th December)

It is not known at this stage how KCC’s concerns will be addressed.

WORK SCHEDULE - The maintenance work is estimated to be one week behind schedule but it is hoped that the work along Rays Hill and The Street will allow an opportunity to get back and possibly all works completed by 5th December which would be two weeks ahead of scheduled.

LOMBARD STREET - The KCC highways inspector has expressed concern to WCB regarding redirecting traffic along Lombard Street due to the numerous cars that are parked from the crossroads and onwards to the junction at Bull Hill. There are very few spaces for passing traffic to avoid the need of reversing.

CONTACT POINTS

Marc Logen, is the KCC North Sevenoaks and Darent Valley Councillor and can be contacted via email [email protected]

Anyone wishing to contact SGN with their concerns can do so via 0800 912 1700 or https://www.sgn.co.uk/Contact-SGN

KENT AND MEDWAY RESILIENCE FORUM (https://www.kentprepared.org.uk) - Residents have raised concerns regarding emergency vehicles being able to access areas of Horton Kirby & South Darenth during this extensive road closure project. Their forum work hard in ensuring emergency services are alerted to road closures such as ours, in order they can continue to meet residents needs.