A stretch of dual carriageway in Ashford has been reduced to one lane in both directions until late 2019.

Highways officials shut off the lanes between the Orbital Park roundabout and junction 10 this morning.

The restriction will remain in force until the multimillion-pound junction 10a opens late next year.

Highways England says the restriction is needed to "enable the realignment of the A2070".

A new link road is being constructed in Sevington, which will join the A2070 with junction 10a.

The 40mph limit will also remain in place until the end of 2019.

On Saturday, the Church Road footbridge over the dual carriageway will be demolished, meaning the A2070 will be closed completely from Barrey Road to junction 10.

The road closure will be in force from 4am on Saturday until 4am on Sunday.

In a statement, Highways England said: "While the demolition is taking place, access to Barrey Road for residents, retail units and the lorry park will remain open along the A2070 from Orbital Park roundabout.

"Due to the nature of the works, there will be no access to junction 10 from Orbital Park roundabout.

"A diversion through Ashford town centre to junction 9 via the A2070 and A2042 will be in place.

"Due to the A2070 being closed a temporary right turn from Barrey Road will be constructed.

"Once the existing Church Road footbridge is demolished a temporary pedestrian crossing on the A2070 will be installed for the duration of the construction works with footpaths diverted allowing access to and from this signal controlled crossing."