Kent County Council - Temporary Road Closure - Various Roads, Sutton Valence - 22nd October 2025 (Maidstone District)

Due to works planned to be undertaken by Kent County Council, it will be necessary to close various roads in Sutton Valence, from 22nd October 2025 with estimated completion by 4th November 2025.

The following roads will be closed as per the below schedule:

Works Schedule

A274 North Street, Sutton Valence – 22nd October 2025 to 4th November 2025

Will be closed from the junction with Chartway Street, between the hours of 20:00 and 05:00 only.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via A274 Maidstone Road, B2163 Plough Wents Road, B2163 Heath Road, A229 Linton Hill, A229 Staplehurst Road, A229 Maidstone Road, A229 Station Road, A229 High Street, A229 Cranbrook Road, A229 Knoxbridge, A229 Rocks Hill, A229 Camden Hill, A229 The Common, A229 Wilsley Pound, A262 Sissinghurst Road, A262 The Street, A262 Biddenden Road, A262 Sissinghurst Road, A262 High Street, A274 North Street, A274 Headcorn Road, A274 Biddenden Road, A274 Wheeler Street, A274 Station Road, A274 High Street, A274 North Street, A274 Mill Bank, A274 Maidstone Road, A274 Headcorn Road and vice versa.

A274 Sutton Valence Hill, Sutton Valence – 22nd October 2025 to 4th November 2025

Will be closed between the junction with Chart Road and Old Belringham Hall, between the hours of 20:00 and 05:00 only.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via A274 Maidstone Road, B2163 Plough Wents Road, B2163 Heath Road, A229 Linton Hill, A229 Staplehurst Road, A229 Maidstone Road, A229 Station Road, A229 High Street, A229 Cranbrook Road, A229 Knoxbridge, A229 Rocks Hill, A229 Camden Hill, A229 The Common, A229 Wilsley Pound, A262 Sissinghurst Road, A262 The Street, A262 Biddenden Road, A262 Sissinghurst Road, A262 High Street, A274 North Street, A274 Headcorn Road, A274 Biddenden Road, A274 Wheeler Street, A274 Station Road, A274 High Street, A274 North Street, A274 Mill Bank, A274 Maidstone Road, A274 Headcorn Road and vice versa.

A274 Headcorn Road, Sutton Valence – 22nd October 2025 to 4th November 2025

Will be closed between Old Belringham Hall and the junction with New Barn Road, between the hours of 20:00 and 05:00 only.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via A274 Maidstone Road, B2163 Plough Wents Road, B2163 Heath Road, A229 Linton Hill, A229 Staplehurst Road, A229 Maidstone Road, A229 Station Road, A229 High Street, A229 Cranbrook Road, A229 Knoxbridge, A229 Rocks Hill, A229 Camden Hill, A229 The Common, A229 Wilsley Pound, A262 Sissinghurst Road, A262 The Street, A262 Biddenden Road, A262 Sissinghurst Road, A262 High Street, A274 North Street, A274 Headcorn Road, A274 Biddenden Road, A274 Wheeler Street, A274 Station Road, A274 High Street, A274 North Street, A274 Mill Bank, A274 Maidstone Road, A274 Headcorn Road and vice versa.

To the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works.

These closures are required for the safety of the public and workforce to allow highway resurfacing works to be carried out, works are undertaken by Kent County Council.

For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=144394203

For information regarding these closures please contact Kent County Council, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

The Kent County Council Highways Helpline phone number is: 03000 418181

 

Road Maintenance in Your Area
Road Surface Improvement (Resurfacing) - UPDATE FROM KENT COUNTY COUNCIL 
A274 North Street, Sutton Valence Hill & Headcorn Rd

Please be advised that due to the emergency gas repairs requiring a road closure on the A229 Loose Road in Maidstone, we have taken the decision to postpone the start time of our own road closure each night to 21:00, instead of the previously communicated 20:00.
We will also be adjusting both the A229 Loose Road and A274 temporary closure and diversion signage at the beginning and end of each overnight shift to reduce the likelihood of confusion arising from conflicting information being displayed.
We apologise for any additional disruption that may result from these works running simultaneously. However, Kent County Council is not in a position to reject or delay emergency works on the highway, and it would not be financially viable to postpone the A274 resurfacing works due to the significant stand-down costs that would be incurred if the works were cancelled at such short notice.
When we plan to carry out the work and how long it will take
This is to let you know that, as part of the on-going maintenance and improvement of the highway network, Kent County Council will soon be resurfacing a section of the A274 in Sutton Valence, specifically between the Sutton Valence School entrance and the bus stop south of ‘South Lane’.
These road surface improvement works are programmed to start on Wednesday 22nd October and should take 9 nights to complete. Works are planned to take place on weeknights only with no working planned on Saturday or Sunday nights. It is possible this could change as the scheme progresses should any inclement weather conditions or unforeseen situations impact our progress. These activities will be undertaken between the hours of 21:00 – 05:00. Outside of these hours, the road will remain open for traffic.
During these essential works it will be necessary to close the A274 completely between the Warmlake (Chartway St) crossroads and Heniker Lane so that we can carry out the works safely for both the workforce and road users. A half-closure point will also be positioned where the A274 meets New Barn Road. In addition, side roads which join the closed section of the A274 will also be closed at the most appropriate place to best manage access and vehicle movements.
Temporary signage for the road closure and signed diversion will be installed at strategic locations along the A274 to discourage through traffic from approaching the closure points. Signing will extend as far as A274 Tenterden Road (south of Biddenden. Additional repeaters and direction plates will be used at key junctions to guide traffic onto the diversion.
The diversion route will be via:
A274 (Headcorn Road, Maidstone Road, Mill Bank, North Street, High Street, Station Road, Wheeler Street, Biddenden Road, Headcorn Road, North Street), A262 (High Street, Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden Road, Sissinghurst Road), A229 (Wisley Pound, The Common, Rocks Hill, Cranbrook Road, High Street, Station Road, Maidstone Road, Staplehurst Road, Linton Hill), B2163 (Heath Road, Plough Wents Road), A274 (Maidstone Road) and vice versa.
Road Maintenance in Your Area
Road Surface Improvement (Resurfacing) - UPDATE
A274 North Street, Sutton Valence Hill & Headcorn Rd
Property access
If you require essential access within the road closure extents, including to or from a property inside the closed section, please speak to our on-site team. For your safety and ours, follow their instructions and only proceed when directed. When entering the work area or under escort, keep to 10 mph at all times. Blue-light access will be prioritised: if emergency services need to reach any premises within the closure, we will facilitate this immediately.
What we plan to do
The existing road surface will be removed by a process known as milling. The area will then be cleaned with a mechanical sweeper to leave it free of dust and debris and ready for the new surface. Where required, inspection covers and rainwater gullies (drains) will be adjusted or replaced to the correct level before the new surface is laid.
The new surfacing will then be laid with a paving machine and compacted with rollers. This stage is usually quick and, depending on the design, may be completed in one or two layers. After surfacing, we will reinstate all necessary road markings and reopen the road once it is safe to do so. Throughout the works you will hear reversing alarms and see flashing beacons on plant; these are mandatory safety devices and cannot be disabled.
There will be periods of high noise, especially during preparation. Milling, sweeping and ironwork adjustments are the loudest stages. Once the new surface is being laid, noise is generally more mobile and therefore intermittent. We apologise for any disruption and thank you for your patience while we complete these essential works.
How you can help us
It is inevitable that residents and businesses near the works will experience some disruption and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused, but we will try to keep this to a minimum.
Access to properties within the closed section of road may need to be restricted for a short period whilst work is carried out in front of each property and across road junctions but will be provided as soon as it is safe to do so. Traffic Management operatives will be available at all our closure points to advise motorists on the most appropriate access route to their properties on each given shift.
We need your help to make sure the work is done as quickly as possible and to the best possible quality. If your vehicle is usually parked on or adjacent to the carriageway, please make sure you park it somewhere else away from the site whilst the works are carried out, so the road is clear for us to resurface. Yellow cones will be positioned at locations where parking will be restricted.
For your safety and the safety of our workforce, please drive carefully and slowly through the roadworks.
How to contact us?
If you need more information, you can visit our website www.kent.gov.uk/resurfacingupdates to view our programme & updates, to find out how we look after the roads throughout Kent or report any faults you find on our roads. You can also view our diversion/permit details at www.one.network. Alternatively, you can call us on 03000 41 81 81.

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TEXT From Kent  County Council

Road Surface Improvement (Resurfacing)
A274 North Street, Sutton Valence Hill & Headcorn Rd

When we plan to carry out the work and how long it will take
This is to let you know that, as part of the on-going maintenance and improvement of the highway network, Kent County Council will soon be resurfacing a section of the A274 in Sutton Valence, specifically between the Sutton Valence School entrance and the bus stop south of ‘South Lane’.

These road surface improvement works are programmed to start on Wednesday 22nd October and should take 9 nights to complete. Works are planned to take place on weeknights only with no working planned on Saturday or Sunday nights. It is possible this could change as the scheme progresses should any inclement weather conditions or unforeseen situations impact our progress. These activities will be undertaken between the hours of 20:00 – 05:00. Outside of these hours, the road will remain open for traffic.

During these essential works it will be necessary to close the A274 completely between the Warmlake (Chartway St) crossroads and Heniker Lane so that we can carry out the works safely for both the workforce and road users. A half-closure point will also be positioned where the A274 meets New Barn Road. In addition, side roads which join the closed section of the A274 will also be closed at the most appropriate place to best manage access and vehicle movements.

Temporary signage for the road closure and signed diversion will be installed at strategic locations along the A274 to discourage through traffic from approaching the closure points. Signing will extend as far as A274 Tenterden Road (south of Biddenden) and A229 Loose Road (north of the A229/A274 junction). Additional repeaters and direction plates will be used at key junctions to guide traffic onto the diversion.

The diversion route will be via:

A274 (Headcorn Road, Maidstone Road, Mill Bank, North Street, High Street, Station Road, Wheeler Street, Biddenden Road, Headcorn Road, North Street), A262 (High Street, Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden Road, Sissinghurst Road), A229 (Wisley Pound, The Common, Rocks Hill, Cranbrook Road, High Street, Station Road, Maidstone Road, Staplehurst Road, Linton Hill), B2163 (Heath Road, Plough Wents Road), A274 (Maidstone Road) and vice versa.

Property access

If you require essential access within the road closure extents, including to or from a property inside the closed section, please speak to our on-site team. For your safety and ours, follow their instructions and only proceed when directed. When entering the work area or under escort, keep to 10 mph at all times. Blue-light access will be prioritised: if emergency services need to reach any premises within the closure, we will facilitate this immediately.

What we plan to do

We will remove the existing road surface by a method known as milling. The complete area will then be swept by a mechanical sweeper to ensure the prepared surface is clean and free of dust and debris. If required, the existing manhole covers, and rain water gully gratings will be adjusted or replaced to the correct level before the new surface is laid. Due to the nature of this type of work, it is inevitable that a varying but significant level of noise will be emitted. The noise will be most pronounced during the preparation stage of the nightly works, with the old road surface being removed, mechanically swept and drains or inspection covers adjusted or replaced if necessary. There will continue to be noise whilst the new surface is laid but this is generally more mobile and therefore intermittent. We do sympathise with and apologise for any disruption or inconvenience the level of noise may cause.

Why are we doing this work?

The majority of capital investment in maintaining our highway network is funded through various capital maintenance grants from the Government. To make best use of that finite resource we carry out condition surveys and inspections, using a combination of mechanical and visual means, together with an assessment of local needs, and that helps to inform an annual capital works programme that balances value for money and our duties under the Highways Act 1980. Our approach to highways asset management is based on using robust data to inform how we invest the funds available, so that we spend the right amount of money at the right time to reduce the cost of maintenance overall. Further details of our works programmes and our approach to highways asset management more generally can be found at www.kent.gov.uk.

The new surfacing material will then be laid using a machine called a paver and compacted with a roller. This is a quick process and dependant on the design will either be a one or two-layer process. Finally, following completion of the surfacing, all necessary road markings will be re-painted. The road will then be re-opened. Please note that during the whole process, audible warning reversing sirens will be heard along with flashing beacons; this is a health and safety requirement and cannot be turned off but will be kept to a minimum.

How you can help us

It is inevitable that residents and businesses near the works will experience some disruption and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused, but we will try to keep this to a minimum.

Access to properties within the closed section of road may need to be restricted for a short period whilst work is carried out in front of each property and across road junctions but will be provided as soon as it is safe to do so. Traffic Management operatives will be available at all our closure points to advise motorists on the most appropriate access route to their properties on each given shift.
We need your help to make sure the work is done as quickly as possible and to the best possible quality. If your vehicle is usually parked on or adjacent to the carriageway, please make sure you park it somewhere else away from the site whilst the works are carried out, so the road is clear for us to resurface. Yellow cones will be positioned at locations where parking will be restricted.
For your safety and the safety of our workforce, please drive carefully and slowly through the roadworks.

How to contact us?

If you need more information, you can visit our website www.kent.gov.uk/resurfacingupdates to view our programme & updates, to find out how we look after the roads throughout Kent or report any faults you find on our roads. You can also view our diversion/permit details at www.one.network. Alternatively, you can call us on 03000 41 81 81.

Kent County Council - Temporary Road Closure - Babylon Lane, Sutton Valence - 29th October 2025 (Maidstone District)

Due to works planned to be undertaken by Kent County Council, it will be necessary to close part of Babylon Lane, Sutton Valence, from 29th October 2025 with estimated completion by 29th October 2025.

Babylon Lane, Sutton Valence, will be closed in the vicinity of the bridge, between the hours of 09:00 and 15:30 only. To the extent indicated by signs and barriers on site.

The alternative route for any through traffic is via Babylon Lane, Forsham Lane, A274 Headcorn Road, New Barn Road, Babylon Lane and vice versa.

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the works.

The closure is required for the safety of the public and workforce to allow vegetation clearance and bridge inspection works to be carried out, works are undertaken by Kent County Council.

For the most up to date information on these works please visit: https://one.network/?tm=GB144935764

For information regarding this closure please contact Kent County Council, who will be able to assist with the scope of these works.

The Kent County Council Highways Helpline phone number is: 03000 418181