Tunnel in Kent closed for emergency repairs
A temporary closure remains in place for the Chestfield Tunnel
A temporary closure remains in place for the Chestfield Tunnel on the A299 Thanet Way near Whitstable.
It follows routine inspections which found a safety critical fault in connection with ventilation in the tunnel.
Kent County Council say it appreciates this will be a huge inconvenience for locals but say the priority is public safety.
The local authority say they hope to open one of the lanes this weekend.
A spokesperson from the council said:
“Specialist engineers have been on site today to review the situation and make repairs to the fans where they can.
"The tunnels will remain closed for the remainder of this week while emergency works and further assessment of the situation take place.
"After which, a contraflow to reopen one lane of the tunnel will be introduced over the weekend, or sooner if possible.
"These vital jet fans are the primary safety system in the tunnel, ensuring fire crews can safely evacuate people in the event of a fire in the tunnel, as well as safely venting away traffic pollution."