News

SPEED LIMIT FOR SPITFIRE WAY

A new pedestrian controlled crossing and a 40mph speed limit are to be introduced on Spitfire Way.

The Puffin Crossing will be installed at the existing crossing point close to the Mayfly public house. 

Kent Highways have announced a timetable of works on the road, which will include some closures over the six weeks while the work is carried out.

What is planned and how much is it going to cost?

The scheme involves the provision of a Puffin Crossing on Spitfire Way, south of the roundabout with Swann Way. As part of the work it will be necessary to reduce the northbound approach to the crossing to a single lane, so that the time taken for pedestrians to cross the road can be reduced. The speed limit of Spitfire Way will also be changed to 40mph, with new speed limit terminal signs located at anew central island, as indicated on the plan overleaf. Associated works include alterations to existing footways, provision of tactile paving, new kerbing, ducting, and alterations to existing signing and road markings. The carriageway is also to be partly resurfaced, with buff coloured high friction surfacing laid on the approaches to the new crossing. The estimated cost of carrying out the works and to install the signals is approximately £72,000.

What is the aim of this work?

The aim of the scheme is to provide a safe crossing facility for pedestrians, notably children attending The Churchill School and Kid Ease Nursery in Haven Drive. The installation of the crossing has been programmed to finish prior to the completion of the next section of Spitfire Way which is due to open in early 2007.

How will the work affect you?

Generally, the works will be carried out under lane closures which will enable two-way traffic to be maintained. It will, however, be necessary to close Spitfire Way for approximately 2 weeks, Monday to Friday between the hours 0900 to 1700 each day, to allow the works to be carried out safely. The exact timing of the road closures will be notified onsite at least a week in advance. Traffic will be diverted via Swann Way, Heron Forstall Avenue, Uphill and A260 White Horse Hill, for which temporary diversion signing will be provided. The existing crossing point by the roundabout will be maintained until the new puffin crossing can be commissioned.

The Kent Highways department have made this request to drivers. "Please respect our workers place and safety by driving carefully and slowly through the road works. Feedback from our workers shows that too many drivers go too fast through road works. Everyone is entitled to a safe workplace. Our men and women work next to moving traffic and risk injury every day”.

When will the work start and how long will it take?

Work will start week commencing 23 October 2006, and it is anticipated that the entire works will take approximately 6 weeks to complete. 

Kent Highway Services 24 hour help line – 08458 247 800

Our Project Reference:B0021634/J12

Please keep this in a safe place so you can refer to it if you need to contact Kent Highways whilst the works are being done - 08458 247 800

WARNING – Beware Bogus Callers

Kent Highway Services do not allow works to be carried out on private properties. If anyone says they are working for Kent Highway Services or our specialist contractors and offer to carry out any work for cash they should be treated with caution and you are advised to contact Kent County Council Trading Standards on 0845 3450210, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.