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A21 improvement work to start

Government Communications (NDS)

24 February 2012

The embankment next to the southbound A21 north of its junction with The Ridge is being strengthened to keep journeys safe and reliable.The repair work, which is due to be complete in five weeks, will mean overnight closures of the A21.Peter Scott, Highways Agency Project Sponsor said:“This work is essential to maintain the structural integrity of the A21 and will help keep journeys on the road safe and reliable. It will also mean we are less likely to need to carry out emergency repairs in the future.“We have planned the work carefully to minimise disruption, and that is why it is being carried out overnight, when traffic flows are lowest.“To carry out the work safely we will need to close the A21 overnight, and drivers affected by the diversions we will have in place are advised to leave extra time for their journeys. The A21 will remain fully open during the day.”The work will involve removing vegetation and trees from the embankment so the topsoil can be removed, placing a grid down to keep the earth in place, and then covering this with fresh topsoil to reduce the risk of further erosion. The work will be carried out between 7pm and 6am each night, Monday to Friday, and, weather permitting, is due to be completed in five weeks. The A21 will be closed in both directions each night and a fully signed diversion route will be in place, via the A2100. Southbound traffic will be diverted from the A21 at Johns Cross via the A2100 through Battle to rejoin the A21 at Junction Road.Northbound traffic will follow the same diversion route in the opposite direction. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained up to the closure but no access will be allowed through the works area. Ends