A road used by thousands of drivers every day has reopened after a two-month closure – but more roadworks are set to follow in a move labelled a “blow”.
Hythe Road in Willesborough, Ashford, shut near the junction with Church Road on July 7.
It meant motorists wishing to access part of the M20 faced a huge 3.5-mile diversion as the route, which connects the town centre to Junction 10 of the motorway, was out of bounds next to Budgens petrol station for six weeks.
The works were the latest phase of SGN and UK Power Network’s (UKPN) combined project across Willesborough and Sevington, which includes a total of six months on the A2070.
Both utility companies originally started work on the project on a 1.7-mile stretch of Kennington Road from the Julie Rose Stadium to near the William Harvey Hospital.
Starting on March 3, the “essential upgrades” are to eventually end at Sevington’s Waterbrook Park in summer 2026.
Following completion in Church Road, and now most recently, Hythe Road, UKPN says one of the next phases of works will get underway in Boys Hall Road next month.
A spokesperson said: “Work at Hythe Road junction was completed ahead of schedule and the junction has reopened.
“Our permits are agreed in advance with the local authority and work is due to continue as planned on Boys Hall Road, from September 8 to 20.
“We will be using temporary [three-way] traffic lights to safely complete the work.
“The latest information is on our project page here.”
Alongside this, Church Road will shut between Sevington Lane and Barrey Road from September 1 to October 4, although access will be maintained for residents.
Elsewhere, motorists in Willesborough Road (A2070) will see roadworks return to the area yet again.
Two-way lights will come into effect between Julie Rose Stadium and Blackwall Road North from September 1 until December 6.
Ashford Borough Council’s Liz Wright says it is a relief Hythe Road has reopened, although admits it is a “blow” work is to begin in Boys Hall Road.
The Green Party representative for Willesborough ward said: “They’ve done well to open it two weeks ahead of schedule as it has been affecting people getting to places and businesses in Church Road.
“I hope some of them get compensation for the closure but we shall see.
“It’s a blow there will be work in Boys Hall Road – that stretch is one of the most dangerous in Britain as people go so quickly.”
