Medway is set to experience a concentrated period of road and utility works this week that will affect traffic flow around several central streets and a school access point. The town council and contractors have published a sequence of closures and temporary traffic arrangements that take effect from Wednesday 15 July, with some works lasting through to Friday 17 July.
What is happening and where
The programme combines watermain maintenance, pavement works and a realignment scheme at a busy junction. Key elements are:
- Water main work on Holliston Street (between Ellis Street and Fairway Lane) required a planned shut-off for residents on Monday with work scheduled between 08:00 and 16:00.
- Holliston/Village/Matondi Square intersection will be closed for road breaking and grading from 15–17 July. This closure will require full shutdown of certain road links, specifically the roads between Sanford Street & Village Street, North Street & Holliston Street, and Shaw Street & Village Street.
- Summer Street will be partially closed on Wednesday 15 July for casting and paving. Through traffic will be barred between Milford Street (Route 109) and Lovering Street.
Access changes and practical advice
The town has published temporary measures for those who need to reach Medway High School on Wednesday 15 July:
- Access to the High School will be available from Summer Street via Milford Street (Route 109).
- All traffic leaving the High School must use the access road leading to Adams Street.
Detour signage will be in place and the council says police officers and authorised flaggers will be on site to assist with traffic flow. For the latest information, residents are advised to check the Town of Medway official website.
Why the works are taking place
The junction works on Holliston and Village Street form part of a realignment project that will also dead-end Church Street and add a new shared-use path. The changes aim to alter traffic patterns at the junction and create improved walking and cycling provision.
Delays and timetable changes
Contractors reported a mechanical fault with the pavement-reclaiming machine that delayed some scheduled work in the Medway and Village Street area. Work continued on Monday and Tuesday with limited disruption, but the fault has contributed to the condensed schedule that begins on Wednesday.
| Date | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 13 July | Holliston Street (Ellis St–Fairway Ln) | Planned water shut-off, 08:00–16:00 |
| Wed 15 Jul | Holliston/Village/Matondi Square | Full junction closure; detours in place |
| Wed 15 Jul | Summer Street (Milford St–Lovering St) | Closed to through traffic for casting and paving |
| Thu 16–Fri 17 Jul | Holliston/Village/Matondi Square | Ongoing road breaking and grading; lane/road closures |
“During the construction period, the Medway Police Department will increase traffic enforcement and patrols in neighborhoods along the detour routes.”
Local consequences
Residents and drivers should expect slight to significant delays on the affected days, especially for journeys that normally use the Holliston/Village corridor or Summer Street. Local bus routes and delivery services may be diverted; businesses and residents along detour routes should be prepared for increased traffic levels and enforcement. School traffic is being managed by a temporary pattern for one day, but parents and staff are advised to allow extra time for drop-off and pick-up and to follow the signed arrangements.
For up-to-the-minute details on detours, road closures and reinstatement dates, consult the Town of Medway official website and local social media channels used by the council. Contractors and emergency services retain the ability to alter schedules if mechanical issues or weather intervene.
