Weekend closures of the Sheppey Crossing will begin next month as work is carried out to maintain and improve the road surface.

The Island-bound carriageway will be shut on Saturdays and Sundays between 8am and 6pm between November 8 and 23 and in the other direction the following two weekends.

The repairs are due to end on December 7, weather permitting.

The A249 will be shut between the Iwade turnoff and the Cowstead Corner roundabout with traffic diverted via the Kingsferry Bridge.

Highways Agency asset manager Kevin Bown said: “The Sheppey Crossing is a major artery for the people of north Kent so it is vital that we maintain it to the highest standards so that road users continue to benefit from the improved traffic flows in the area. The work we are doing will help to reduce the likelihood of unplanned closures.

“We are closing the crossing over the weekend as this is when traffic flow is at its lowest and this will enable us to complete the work more efficiently with as little disruption to road users as possible.”