Appledore Road
Essential road, drainage and utility works are taking place on Appledore Road during August 2026. These works have been coordinated into a single programme involving us, Vistry, and UK Power Networks (UKPN) to reduce the need for multiple road closures at different times.
The work will include:
- New power connections for street lighting and illuminated road signs.
- Drainage improvements.
- Road improvements required as part of Vistry's housing development.
- Resurfacing of sections of Appledore Road.
Many of you have commented on the poor condition of the road, and these works provide an opportunity to deliver long-awaited improvements while avoiding the disruption of returning to the site repeatedly for separate schemes.
About the road closure
The most disruptive phase of the works involves drainage and power connections.
To complete these works, contractors need to dig a trench across the full width of the road so that new drainage and electrical connections can be installed.
Because the trench will extend from one side of the road to the other, vehicles cannot safely pass through the site while these works are taking place.
Temporary traffic lights
A number of you have suggested keeping one lane open and using temporary traffic lights. Unfortunately, this is not possible during the main phase of the works.
Government safety requirements are designed to protect both road users and construction crews. To safely operate traffic lights, there must be enough room for vehicles to pass through while also providing a protected working area for crews.
Appledore Road is not wide enough for this arrangement during the drainage and utility works. The trench will extend across the full width of the road, making a full closure unavoidable.
Overnight works
We understand some of you would prefer the works to take place overnight. However, the most disruptive phase involves digging a trench across the width of the road to install drainage and power connections. These works cannot simply be completed, filled in and reopened each morning.
Even if crews worked overnight, the road would still need to remain closed throughout the day because of the size and nature of the excavation.
The resurfacing works planned later in the programme are different and can be completed in shorter phases, which is why overnight working is being considered for some of those works.
The summer holidays
The programme has been scheduled during the summer holiday period because traffic volumes are generally lower than during term time.
With fewer school-related journeys, there is less traffic on the road network overall, helping to reduce the impact on on you and road users as far as possible.
Summer months also generally provide the most suitable conditions for carrying out road and utility works safely and efficiently.
Access to your homes
| Date | Access information |
|---|---|
| 3 to 9 August | You will be able to access the Shrubcote area from both directions. There may occasionally be short delays while work is taking place, and traffic management staff may ask drivers to wait while vehicles or equipment are moved safely through the site. |
| 10 to 23 August | This is the most disruptive phase of the programme. The drainage and power connection works require a trench to be dug across the full width of the road. Because of this, you will need to use the signed diversion route. Access to Shrubcote will still be maintained, but journeys are likely to take longer during this period. |
| 24 to 30 August | Road resurfacing works will take place. The programme has been planned so that sections of road can reopen as work progresses. This will help to maintain access wherever possible. |
Once the developer works have been completed, we will carry out additional resurfacing works on another section of Appledore Road across the junction of Collison Place.
We will also need to come back to carry out some structural surfacing works to a section of Reading Street. These works will be taking place in the night. Unfortunately we cannot complete these works at the same time. This section is not part of the developer's scheme and relates to separate maintenance issues on the existing road. We will plan and programme these works to make sure our staff are safe and can carry out the works efficiently.
Keep an eye on this page for dates nearer the time.
Diversion routes
The official diversion route is approximately 23 miles. Diversions must be suitable for all vehicles that would normally use the road, including:
- buses
- agricultural vehicles
- delivery vehicles
- HGVs.
For this reason, diversion routes generally have to use roads of a similar standard and classification. Although you may choose a different route if it is suitable for your vehicle, the official diversion has been planned to safely accommodate all vehicles.
Using Preston Lane
We understand concerns that some drivers may try to avoid the official diversion by using Preston Lane.
Preston Lane is a steep, narrow, single-track road and is not suitable to act as a diversion route. Additional signage will be in place to make this clear.
We will also monitor traffic levels and road conditions throughout the closure period.
Roads cannot normally be closed simply to prevent drivers choosing to use them, as the public has a legal right to use the highway unless formal restrictions are put in place.
Access for emergency vehicles
Alongside Vistry and the contractors, we have been in discussions with emergency services in Kent. They are aware of all the diversion routes and have been given all the relevant site contact details.
During the first phase of the programme, emergency service vehicles will have access in the same way as you will. In the main drainage phase, the full road will be closed. This means all vehicles will need to use the diversion route.
About the contractors
Vistry and their contractors will be managing and delivering the works, under a legal agreement with us. This allows the developer to carry out agreed improvements on the public highway.
Our role is to oversee the works, and to make sure they meet the required standards. We will also be carrying out a higher level of inspection and monitoring throughout the works. This includes:
- additional site inspections
- monitoring road closures and diversions
- checks on diversion signs
- monitoring of travel levels and road conditions on Preston Lane.
For any queries about the developer Vistry, contact Robert Caister on 07825111706.
Other works in the location
Build-out works
The road improvements associated with the development, including the build-outs, are required as part of the approved development and have been independently audited from a road safety perspective.
Questions have been raised about one build-out that is understood to extend beyond the original planning boundary.
This issue is being reviewed separately through the planning process. At present, it is understood to be an administrative planning matter rather than a road safety issue, as the overall road improvement scheme has passed the required safety audits.
Additional resurfacing works to take place
Although some resurfacing is being carried out as part of the developer's works, the additional section identified by us relates to a separate maintenance issue and falls outside the scope of the developer scheme.
The works also need to be planned and programmed separately to ensure they can be completed safely and efficiently.
By carrying out this additional resurfacing as a short overnight programme after the main works have finished, we can address the issue while keeping further disruption to you as low as possible.