To: Maidstone Joint Transportation Board
By: Behdad Haratbar, Head of Programmed Works, Highways, Transportation and Waste, Kent County Council
Date: 3 September 2014
Subject: Reconstruction of Willington Street
Classification: Information only
Summary: This report provides an update to Board members on Phase 1 of the reconstruction of Willington Street.
Background:
1. Over the next 12 months we are investing £1.2m in reconstructing and resurfacing two kilometres of Willington Street in Maidstone. This is a major project involving the complete removal of the existing road construction layers down to about 250mm, excavating deeper where necessary to address any soft spots and relaying a new stronger road surface.
2. The improvements are being delivered in 3 phases. Phase 1 is between A274 Sutton Road and Denton Close and it taken place during the summer school holiday period. Phase 2 (between Denton Close and Otterbourne Place) will be delivered next Easter and Phase 3 (between Otterbourne Place and Deringwood Drive) during the school summer holidays of 2015.
3. Phase 1 has progressing well and, at the time of writing this report, we are on course to complete works before the end of the school holiday period. The current phase is being delivered in four 250 metre sections. After setting up the site during the first few days, we have generally followed a weekly pattern for each section, with the existing road surface being removed and localised soft spots addressed during week days, and the new surface being construction during weekends.
- Excavation works have led to some damage to utility services, although the number is not exceptional for a project of this type. We have worked very closely with the relevant utility companies to resolve these as soon as practicable.
- There have been several instances of HGVs getting stuck in neighbouring lanes – principally Church Road – despite the presence of numerous ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’ signs. We deployed additional temporary signs to help mitigate this risk, and have continued to monitoring the situation. We have also been regularly patrolling diversion routes and other roads to identify any problems. So far, these works do not appear to have had a significant impact on Maidstone traffic levels.
- We have had an officer on site 7am to 7pm Monday to Sunday to keep on top of any issues and more importantly to liaise directly with local residents should any issues occur.
Recommendations
- Members are asked to note that the works to reconstruct Willington Street are progressing well and Phase 1 is expected to be completed and the road re-opened before the end of the school holiday period.
Appendices
None
Contact officer:
Alan Casson
Resurfacing Manager
Programmed Works
Highways, Transportation and Waste
03000 418181