The A249 has been reopened after being shut for emergency repairs.

The Maidstone-bound carriageway was closed between the Bobbing turn-off and the interchange with the A2.

The road was shut 9.30am and Highways England said it was not expected to reopen until 6pm. In fact, it was open again by 3pm.

It comes after a mammoth pothole, said to be stretching more than 100ft, opened up on the carriageway yesterday following a deluge of rain.

The huge gash came to light following a crash which left a woman in hospital.

A Highways England spokesman said the Maidstone-bound carriageway required a full closure to allow essential repairs to be undertaken.