Tudor Drive road works

 Residents of Tudor Drive (and Tudor Crescent) were concerned by the initial notice of a road closure of up to 5 days for Kent Highways to carry out pothole blitz/ carriageway patching works, in particular in relation to access. I have taken this up, and understand that a letter has been delivered to residents that hopefully addresses some of these concerns.

To summarise, the aim is now to have the works completed within three working days. On those days (Friday 29 September, Monday 2 October and Tuesday 3 October) the road will be closed for its full length between 0900 and 1700. The road should be open and accessible outside these hours and over the weekend. Officers have emphasised that every effort will be made to maintain access for residents, but that this may be difficult at times when (for example) hot material is being laid. Emergency vehicles are of course exempted from this. Officers have also emphasised that usually a situation can be worked round if residents speak to the gangs, and hopefully this can be accommodated practically while these much desired works take place.   

I have also followed up queries as to whether it would be possible to focus first on the area before the junction with Tudor Crescent, leaving that open once the works there are done. However, the large-scale patching that is being undertaken is (I am told) best and most efficiently done across the entire road. The advice I have from the highways engineers is that the quickest way to do the work is to plane out all of the patches first, which can normally can be completed in a matter of around 2-3 hours. The patching then starts shortly afterwards and will be completed using a paving machine usually reserved for resurfacing works. This approach – using quite large machinery and aiming to move as quickly as possible - means that it is not possible to do all of the patches at the top end and then move on to the bottom end of the road.

However, the aim is to get the works done as quickly as possible, hopefully well ahead of the 3 days indicated. Officers are also very aware of the need to secure maximum access and flexibility for Tudor Drive/ Tudor Crescent residents and our Highways Steward will be on site on Friday morning.