Engineers are replacing a water main to try and reduce leaks along a main town centre road after a sinkhole appeared.
Multi-way traffic lights were erected at the junction of Milton Road, Milton Place and Ordnance Road in Gravesend on Friday (August 1) to allow work to start.
Southern Water’s engineers Clancy are replacing the old and non-operable water valves which control the movement of water in and out of the town area.
A spokesperson for the utility firm said the work should help reduce leaks and ensure the water is kept in its network.
They added: “We are sorry for the disruption this is causing customers, businesses and residents in the area.
“We anticipate this work could take up to three weeks – but our teams are working seven days a week and aim to finish this work before then.”
Milton Road is open; however, firms along that stretch have reported seeing a slight drop in trade due to the traffic management.
Owner of Versatile Fixings, in Milton Road Business Park, Claire Love, said: “I think it is affecting businesses again.
“It is quiet during the school holidays, but I think it has been quieter than usual. We do not want to deter people from coming; we are all still open.
“I know they have to do their job, and things need to get repaired, but it is just the effect it has on people’s lives and businesses.
“It just does not help us. It is really frustrating when we are trying to run a business, and this happens a lot.”
This year, Milton Road has been closed three times due to water leaks and subsequent sinkholes.
On May 6, it was sealed off for two days after a void, which was caused by a burst water main, appeared in the carriageway near Cumberland Avenue.
Southern Water engineers completed repairs, and the road was reopened; however, it was shut again following an inspection on May 9, which found that the pipe was still leaking.
It was fixed and the carriageway was opened on May 14 before being shut again on June 24 for eight days for reinstatement work.
Frustrated traders said they saw their customer numbers fall overnight, and feared it would continue to be a problem if not repaired properly.
Claire added: “I am hoping this time they will do their repairs and it will not happen again, but I am not sure.
“My only worry is that it is going to happen again, and it is not only here, it is across Gravesend.”
The multi-way traffic lights are expected to be in place at the junction until Monday, August 18.
Phase two of the works will then start on Monday, August 11, which will see part of Milton Place closed, near where it meets with Milton Road.
A diversion route will be in place, and access to driveways and for pedestrians will be maintained.
