Motorists are being warned to expect overnight closures and speed restrictions on the A2 over the next 18 months.

Roadworks between Canterbury and Faversham will involve both resurfacing and stud replacement, as well as the long-awaited project to extend the London-bound off-slip at Thanington.

The seven-mile coast-bound stretch from Brenley Corner to Thanington will - at some point - be closed overnight, followed by the longer London-bound stretch from the New Dover Road interchange to Brenley Corner.

Highways England officials have also gained the traffic order to enforce 24-hour closures of all lay-bys along the carriageway at any time in the next 18 months.

When the A2 isn't closed, a 50mph limit will be enforced on a section of the road approaching Thanington.

Exact dates for closures and speed restrictions are yet to be finalised.

The traffic order, which came into force last Monday, is to mainly allow for contractors to work on the long-awaited extension of the London-bound off-slip at Thanington.

The roadworks include plans to widen and extend the route, and to create a junction leading to the new 450-home Saxon Fields development behind Cockering Road.

While work is carried out, the slip road will be closed from 7pm until 6am each day.

This will mean those heading up the A2 in the late evening will need to exit the carriageway at the New Dover Road interchange.

Work on the Thanington off-slip, which was scheduled to start two months ago but was delayed due to Covid-19, is due to last until next February.

Plans are still afoot for the new £8.8m coastbound off-slip at Wincheap, but 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 Saxon Fields development is occupied.

The project is also dependent on the city council's controversial plan to reconfigure and expand the Wincheap park and ride site, which has been put on hold for at least a year amid the immense budget strain on the authority due to coronavirus.

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