Motorists faced rush-hour “gridlock” after a key route was shut for water works.

New Dover Road in Canterbury is closed in both directions near the Abbots Barton Hotel for as contractors carry out the repairs for South East Water.

A diversion has been put in place along Old Dover Road for drivers heading in and out of the city but there were nose-to-tail queues as a result.

One motorist said it took 40 minutes to get into the city centre from the A2.

They described the chaos as “absolute gridlock”.

“It was a nightmare getting into the city this morning,” he said.

“The diversion route was like a car park - absolute gridlock.”

The water works on the busy road started yesterday and are due to last until Monday (November 3).

Access is still available for pedestrians.