MOTORISTS face seven months of misery while Cray Road in Foots Cray is closed for gas repairs.

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) began work on April 16 replacing the existing metal gas mains in the road, which leads off the Crittalls Corner roundabout.

One of the lanes on the roundabout, leading to Cray Road, has been coned off, narrowing the roadway to two lanes and this has already led to major tailbacks of traffic, particularly at peak times.

The work has begun at the junction with the A20, outside the B&Q store and will move gradually down Cray Road and across the junction of Sidcup Hill into the mouth of Rectory Lane.

Cray Road has been made southbound only from Suffolk Road to Crittalls Corner.

There will be no entry into Cray Road from Crittalls Corner, no right turn from Powerscroft Road into Cray Road and no left turn from Watery Lane and Haven Close into Cray Road.

Parking will also be restricted in the road for the duration of the work.

Cray Road traffic will be diverted via Edgington Way, Maidstone Road and Foots Cray High Street.

The weight restriction on the bridge in Foots Cray High Street will be suspended for Sidcup-bound traffic while the diversion is in place.

Bus routes are also being diverted.

As soon as two-way traffic can be re-introduced to Cray Road, traffic will be controlled by temporary lights.

Advance signs, warning of any changes to traffic arrangements, will be displayed.

For further information and advice on the works, call SGN on 020 8858 6910.