Motorists travelling in and out of Tunbridge Wells experienced long delays during peak times this week as two major road work schemes continued.
Major York’s Road has been completely closed by Kent Highways, a division of the county council, as a zebra crossing is installed and carriageway either side is resurfaced.
Work began on Monday [February 12] and is set to continue until Sunday [February 25], causing congestion on the A26.
Major York’s joins The Pantiles with Langton Road where, just half a mile away, there were stop/go signs and more roadworks from Friday [February 16] until yesterday [Tuesday].
This road connects to Major York’s and puts further pressure on the network during peak hours.
Motorist Dorothy Nevill lives near Sainsbury’s supermarket at the bottom end of town and uses the Frant Road.
“Normally it takes me ten minutes driving into the town centre,” she said yesterday [Tuesday]. “This morning traffic was just inching along and it took me almost half an hour to cover less than two miles.”
A County Hall spokesman said of the Major York’s closure: “Kent County Council is installing this crossing to assist safer pedestrian movements in the area.
“Kent County Council has been working alongside Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the relevant groups connected to the Tunbridge Wells Commons, to help provide safer access to local amenities.
“The scheme will seek to encourage slower vehicle speeds and assist in improving road safety in the vicinity of the town and local businesses.”
