An 88-mile diversion is being put in place while part of a motorway is closed for essential repairs.

National Highways has planned a series of weekend and overnight closures on the M20 between Junctions 9 and 10a while the Great River Stour bridge in Ashford is repaired.

Work will start late on Friday, April 21 and last two weeks.

While the stretch is closed, the government body is advising drivers take a lengthy 88-mile diversion - adding an extra one hour and 30 minutes to their journey.

The suggested route will take coast-bound motorists from the M20 junction 6 for Maidstone via the A229, then on the M2 past Sittingbourne and Faversham, on the A2 past Canterbury and then on to the A20 through Dover and Folkestone before coming back to Ashford via the M20.

The same route applies in reverse for London-bound traffic.

The first full weekend closure will start at 8pm on Friday, April 21 on the coast-bound carriageway.

It will remain closed until 6am on Monday, April 24.

It will then close again each week night from Monday, April 24 from 8pm until 6am the following morning.

Another weekend closure is planned from 8pm on Sunday, April 30 until 6am on Monday, May 1.

For the London-bound carriageway, a similar plan is in place but the closures slightly differ.

The stretch between junction 10a and junction 9 will close each night from 8pm until 6pm from Friday, April 21 to Monday, April 24.

A full weekend closure is then planned from 8pm on Friday, April 28 to 6am Monday, May 1.

It will stay closed each night from 8pm until 6pm on Monday May 1 until Thursday May 4.

Commenting on the diversion, a spokesman from National Highways said: "We've worked closely with the local authorities in the area, Kent County Council, Dover Council and Eurotunnel to agree a route that is suitable for all vehicles that reduces the impact on local communities."

The repairs being carried out are "critical for safety reasons".

It will see expansion joints replaced, resurfacing and waterproofing works carried out.