Long-awaited work to extend an A2 slip-road has been pushed back due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Construction was due to begin on the road off the London-bound dual carriageway in Wincheap, Canterbury, tomorrow and was expected to continue until spring next year.

But building firm Breheny Civil Engineering has announced that the scheme has been postponed indefinitely amid concerns surrounding the spread of the illness.

A spokesman for the project said: "Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus plans to carry out road development work to the London-bound A2 slip road at Wincheap have been put on hold.

"The works were due to commence on Tuesday, March 31, but following the publication of guidance to individuals and businesses by the government, the commencement of works on this project have been postponed until further notice."

The scheme has been bankrolled by Pentland Homes, which pledged to foot the bill for the project if its bid to build 750 homes at Cockering Farm was given the go-ahead by Canterbury City Council.

The roadworks include plans to widen and extend the route, and to create a junction leading to the new housing development in Thanington.

They will also involve resurfacing parts of the A2 and the A28.

Pentland is also funding the new £8.8m A2 coastbound off-slip at Wincheap.

However, the new route - envisaged to alleviate constant traffic problems on the A28 - does not legally need to be completed until the 450th home at the site, named Saxon Fields, is occupied.

The development will also include the construction of a new primary school, restaurants and sports pitches, as well as a bespoke base for the relocation of the city’s Pilgrims Hospice.

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury