Part of the A2 has closed in both directions as engineers set to work replacing gas mains.

From today, the route is blocked at Newington, near Sittingbourne, between Bull Lane and Wickham Close.

It will stay shut for about four weeks.

Workers are also going to move a gas valve from the middle of the road to the nearby grass verge.

While engineers are in the High Street, Church Lane will be closed and Bull Lane turned into a one-way route with no entry from Wormdale Hill.

Signed diversions will be in place and pedestrians will be unaffected.

Lorries and larger vehicles will be diverted via the M2 so they avoid the area completely.

"We need to continue with our safety-critical project."

SGN spokesman, Bradley Barlow, said the work needed to go on despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

He said: "The safety of our communities and our employees will remain our number one priority in the weeks and months ahead.

"We need to continue with our safety-critical project to upgrade the gas network in Newington.

"This needs to continue now, rather than wait until the pandemic passes, to ensure the local community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply."

This stage of the upgrade – which was originally not due to start until Monday – is part of a £1.85million scheme to replace nearly three miles of pipes along the A2 at Newington, which began last September.

Last year the same part of the route was forced to close for emergency repairs.

Mr Barlow added: "To complete our project as quickly as possible, we'll also be working in Keycol Hill at the Key Street roundabout from today.

"For everyone's safety, the A2 Keycol Hill westbound lane will be reduced and restricted to access for smaller vehicles and deliveries only."

The whole project is expected to come to an end by the end of the summer holidays.

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 Sittingbourne