The A26 Quarry Hill Road out of Tonbridge would close southbound overnight from 17 to 20 November, then for four weeks next summer, with a diversion via Tunbridge Wells.

The A26 Quarry Hill Road, the main road south out of Tonbridge towards Southborough, is set to close to southbound traffic overnight for four nights next month.

Kent County Council published its intention to make the order in a notice dated today, 30 October. The work is to replace expansion joints, and it comes in two phases.

  • Phase 1: 17 to 20 November 2026, from 20:00 to 06:00
  • Phase 2: 28 June to 26 July 2027, from 20:00 to 06:00

The road would close southbound only, between number 100 and South Frith. The notice says nothing about northbound traffic, so the route into Tonbridge from Southborough stays open. (Kent County Council notice dated 30 October 2026)

The diversion goes through Tunbridge Wells

The signed alternative route is long. From Quarry Hill Road it sends southbound traffic:

  • along the A2014 Pembury Road to the A21
  • south on the A21 and the Pembury bypass
  • into Royal Tunbridge Wells on the A228 and A264 Pembury Road
  • through the town centre on Calverley Road, Crescent Road, Church Road and Mount Ephraim
  • back north on the A26 St John’s Road and London Road

That is a loop through Pembury and the middle of Tunbridge Wells before rejoining the A26 heading north. If you are heading for Southborough late in the evening on those nights, it is worth planning your route before you set off.

Still a proposal

The notice says the council intends to make the order. It has not made it yet. Proposed closures can move or be dropped, so we will update this story and our roadworks and travel page when the order is made. The postcode on the notice, TN9 2NB, is in Vauxhall ward, at the southern edge of the town near the A21 junction.

Also next week

The same notice makes the orders for two shorter closures in and around Tonbridge:

  • Welland Road, Tonbridge, from Maylam Court to Uridge Crescent, for up to one day from 3 November, for frame and cover replacement
  • Eggpie Lane, Hildenborough, near Brook Cottage, for up to two days from 2 November, for chamber investigation and 3D scanning

Separately, National Highways closes the A21 northbound exit slip at Vauxhall from 20:00 to 06:00 on Monday 2 November, for drainage works between Pembury and Quarry Hill. (National Highways closure report, updated 29 October 2026)

What it means for you

  • Driving south from Tonbridge on 17 to 20 November after 8pm: expect Quarry Hill Road to be shut southbound until 6am. Allow for the diversion through Tunbridge Wells.
  • Driving into Tonbridge from the south: the notice closes only the southbound side.
  • Next summer: the second phase runs every night, 20:00 to 06:00, from 28 June to 26 July 2027.
  • Check before you travel: dates on a proposed order can change. Our roadworks and travel page carries every advertised closure in the borough and is updated on each visit.