Drivers are stuck in heavy traffic this morning around Maidstone, causing long delays.

Cars were at a standstill in College Road and Hayle Road this morning, due to the lane closures in Bishops Way for bridge works.

The works will see two new lanes created to enable drivers using the A229 towards Blue Bell Hill and Chatham to avoid the bridge system.

The development is now in its third phase, including 24-hour lane closures which began yesterday at 9.30am.

This morning is the first time rush hour traffic has had to deal with the closures, which remain in place until 6am tomorrow.

VIDEO: We drove round the system to see the lane closures.

The traffic stretched back round the one-way system around the time, affecting traffic as far away as the A249 Sittingbourne Road.

There is also heavy traffic on Loose Road, which is being delayed coming into Maidstone.

Speaking about the works, a KCC spokesman said: "Due to the deep excavation required it will be necessary for lane closures to remain in place between during both peak and off peak periods.

"This is to allow the alterations on Bishops Way at the junction with the High Street to be carried out."

Completion remains on track for November.