Update: 9 May 2025
Due to the discovery of further leaks at the junctions of Cripple Street and Boughton Lane, we now need to close both side roads instead of using traffic lights during our work. This is to ensure the safety of the team, drivers and pedestrians.
Project overview
We've been carrying out emergency repairs to our gas network in Loose Road, and further investigations have found that a significant section of our gas network along Loose Road and Cripple Street is in poor condition.
We’ve carried out multiple repairs but for everyone’s safety and to avoid future disruption we’ve made the decision to urgently replace these gas mains with new plastic pipe.
Working in close consultation with Kent County Council, we’ve arranged for our contractor, WCB Utilities to provide two engineering teams at short notice to start this work on Tuesday 6 May, with a third team planned to join them on Monday 12 May. WCB Utilities will be working extended hours alongside SGN’s emergency engineers who will be checking the area for further gas escapes.
For everyone’s safety, while we carry out this work, Loose Road has to remain closed until Sunday 1 June. During this time, we also aim to replace a section of old metal gas main along Cripple Street and into the junction with Boughton Lane.
We’ll initially be using traffic lights at these locations but depending on site conditions we may need to install more road closures to ensure the safety of our engineers and road users. Access will be kept for residents and businesses within the closure points where it is safe to do so, and access will always be possible via the signed diversion routes.
We recommend turning off Sat Navs and follow the signed diversion routes and avoid using smaller roads that are not suitable for heavy traffic. We’re working with Kent County Council to arrange for additional signs to be placed to indicate roads that are not suitable for HGVs.
Bus services will also be affected, please contact the operators directly for changes to routes and bus stop locations.
We’ll post updates on our progress and any changes to traffic management here.
We understand roadworks can be frustrating and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this causes. However, the new plastic pipe has a lifespan of 80 years. This means that once our work is done, Maidstone residents and businesses will be able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable supply of gas for many years to come.