Part 1 : SGN gas main works on the A225: what's planned from January

I've had a lot of emails about SGN's works on the A225 Dartford Road between South Darenth and Farningham. Here is where things stand.

This follows on from the Horton Road phases in the summer, when I worked with KCC Streetworks to get diversion routes published and raised Franks Lane and the Lombard Street parking with them. SGN gave councillors notice of the January scheme on 30th October, and I passed the briefing details to the parish council that weekend

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SGN is replacing an old metal gas main that has had a number of emergency leaks, through its contractor WCB. Work starts on Monday 4th January 2027 and is due to take about 12 weeks, in phases. SGN says the road has to close because there isn't enough width for traffic to pass the works safely.

• The A225 Dartford Road is closed in sections, with the closed stretch moving as the work progresses

• Eglantine Lane is closed at Rays Hill for the full 12 weeks, to stop diverted traffic and HGVs using Horton Kirby's narrow roads as a cut-through

• Franks Lane closes at a later stage

Because the A225 is an A-road, the official diversion has to be suitable for HGVs, which is why it's so long: A225 Main Road, Parsonage Lane, Darenth Hill, the B260, the A227 and the A20. Signs and variable message signs will be in place, and SGN is updating sat nav providers.

These are statutory gas works. KCC Streetworks issues the permits and closure orders and can set conditions, but it can't refuse them, and councillors don't sign them off. SGN says it looked at keeping Eglantine Lane open with a banksman, barriers or signage, and ruled those out. Realistically the works will go ahead in January. What can still change is the detail: local access, school and health journeys, and the end date.

SGN says pedestrian and emergency vehicle access will be kept throughout, and that bus and school transport operators expect services to keep running, subject to final route checks.