The A249 is shut between Maidstone and Sittingbourne this weekend as work on a multi-million revamp of the Stockbury roundabout continues.

National Highways says it is moving utility pipes and services so has had to close the entire Sittingbourne-bound stretch between the M20 and the M2.

Originally, the work was due to be carried out from February 18 to 21 but Storm Eunice meant that plan had to be scrapped.

A National Highways spokesman said: "There's never a perfect time to complete this type of work on a busy road such as the A249, and we’d like to thank everyone for your on-going patience and understanding."

The A249 Sittingbourne-bound is closed between the M20 junction 7 roundabout near Detling and the Stockbury roundabout until 5am on Monday, March 7. There is also no access to the A249 Sittingbourne-bound from M20 junction 7.

The Maidstone-bound carriageway of the A249 is open, so traffic coming from Sittingbourne towards Maidstone can travel as usual.

Traffic can still access the roads off the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway via the crossovers from the Maidstone-bound carriageway.

Oad Street is unusable to cross over the A249 to reach Stockbury roundabout.

Access will be maintained for properties directly on the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway.

Work on Oad Street has been delayed while the utility companies deal with emergency repairs following the recent storms.

The roadworks are part of a wider scheme to upgrade the Stockbury roundabout with a flyover for A249 traffic over the existing roundabout, which is one of the worst junctions for congestion in the county.

National Highways said: "The M2 junction 5/A249 Stockbury interchange cannot cope with existing traffic flows.

"Our improvement scheme will improve journey times and reduce delays, meaning you will have quicker and more reliable journeys.

"The scheme will also improve the safety of the junction for all road users."