Transport for London (TfL) have announced the A20 will be partially closed at the Sidcup by-pass to allow for maintenance on the weekend of the August bank holiday. The works are to prevent frequent flooding on the stretch of road.
Speed limit restrictions have been in place since October 2023 on the eastbound carriageway of the by-pass due to frequent flooding with remedial works being planned. TfL are now ready to carry out the works which will include resurfacing and drainage work on the eastbound carriageway and works to the central reserve on the westbound carriageway between the Sidcup Services and Swanley Interchange (M25 Junction 3).
The works follow nearly a year of disruption to local motorists. In January 2024 several local Conservative politicians wrote to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and the TfL Commissioner to raise concerns about poor signage to inform drivers of the restrictions and the lack of timescale for the works to take place. The letter was organised by Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French and was signed by then Assembly Member Peter Fortune (now MP for Bromley and Biggin Hill), then Bromley and Chislehurst MP, Sir Bob Niell and then Bexleyheath and Crayford Sir David Evenett.
Due to the nature of the work, the road will be closed over the August bank holiday weekend. This will be begin from 22:00 on Friday 23 August to 05:00 on Tuesday 27 August when the A20 Sidcup By-Pass will be closed to eastbound traffic (towards Kent) between GreenAcres Kemnal Park and Swanley Services. A single lane restriction westbound will be required to preserve a safe working environment for contractors.
TfL will also be undertaking carriageway resurfacing works over the nights of Wednesday 28 August and Thursday 29 August which will require the closure of the westbound carriageway (towards London) from 22:00 to 05:00 on both nights.
Once these works have been concluded, the speed limit will be returned to its previous restriction (70mph east of Crittalls Corner and 50mph west of Crittalls Corner).
London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, Thomas Turrell AM, welcomed the new saying:
“The temporary speed restrictions have been disruptive for local motorists but the news that the work is finally going to take place is welcomed. Local drivers, residents and businesses will have a sigh of relief that these works are finally taking place and that normal speed limits will apply to the road.
Unfortunately, these works do require closures which will be inconvenient in the short term, but in the long-term will ensure the road remains safe and reliable to use.”
