A busy road near a secondary school and railway station will be closed for two months for “vital” works to upgrade water networks.
Affinity Water says Sandling Road in Saltwood, near Hythe, will shut from June 29 for “essential improvements”.
Drivers will face a four-phase rolling closure along the main route, with restrictions in place until the provisional reopening date of September 4.
The work, which will take place outside Brockhill Park Performing Arts College and Sandling station, is scheduled on weekdays from 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 3pm.
Ed Curran, who lives in Saltwood and represents the area on Hythe Town Counil, fears the impact of traffic delays.
“Ensuring bus services run efficiently to and from the train station is very important for our visitors and tourists in the summer months,” he told KentOnline.
“Any road disruption to buses and cars using the station will not help.”
Phase one of the repairs will begin on June 29 and run until July 31, with work taking place from Sandling station to the school.
Phase two will follow from August 3 to August 21, with crews operating between the school and the junction of Highfield Close.
Phase three, covering the stretch from the junction of Highfield Close to 1 Sandling Road, will run from August 24 to September 4.
The final phase, from September 7 to September 25, will take place in Highfield Close.
Affinity Water has warned residents their water supply “may be affected during these works”, adding that notification cards will be delivered if interruptions are expected.
A spokesperson said: “We recognise this is a key route for residents and commuters, and we understand the disruption that roadworks can cause.
“These improvements are vital to strengthen the resilience of the local water network, helping to reduce leaks and bursts, protect water resources, and ensure a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water for the community.”
The company says it is working closely with Kent County Council (KCC) to minimise disruption.
During phase one, access to Sandling train station will be “maintained”, although some drivers may need to follow signed diversions depending on their direction of travel.
Affinity Water does not “expect any impact on wider school traffic”.
The spokesperson added: “For residents within the rolling closure areas, access will be managed throughout. This may include measures such as the use of steel plates over excavations to allow vehicles to pass safely where needed.”
A sign at the bus stop near Sandling station says the 18 bus service, which runs from Hythe to Canterbury, will not stop there.
Stagecoach is urging passengers to use the nearest alternative stop in Seaton Avenue – a 34-minute walk away – until further notice.
KentOnline has contacted KCC for comment.
