Drivers are facing traffic misery after a major route closed overnight and will remain shut for almost a week.

Motorists have been unable to use a section of Hythe Road (A292), Ashford, from Gordon Close to the Henwood Industrial Estate roundabout, since about 11pm yesterday.

It comes after a water main burst 250 metres further along the stretch in Mabledon Avenue.

Although South East Water says engineers began carrying out repairs shortly afterwards, they found severe damage had been caused to a pipe.

It led to gas supplies to 225 properties in the Gordon Close area being lost after water entered gas company SGN's network.

Two vehicles and more than 10 SGN engineers were pictured trying to remove the water opposite Gordon Close and towards Melvin Head Carpets this morning.

The closure has led to multiple drivers attempting to access Ashford town centre being forced to make a U-turn and head back towards Willesborough.

South East Water's Adam Newbury has now confirmed the route will remain closed until Thursday (August 22).

The company's distribution manager said: "We are sorry to customers who have been impacted by the emergency repairs.

"For the safety of our workforce and the public, the road will remain closed until we have completed the repair.

“We understand road closures can be frustrating and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for SGN added: "We’re very sorry for the inconvenience which is being caused.

"Our customer service team is available at the junction of Hythe Road and Star Road to provide the latest information to residents who have been affected. Regular updates are also being shared on our website."

Speaking this morning, one motorist said: “It sort of sums Ashford at the minute with all of these roadworks.

“I understand it happened out-of-the-blue, but it just makes it even tougher to get from A to B.”

Residents in Ashford have already been plagued by multiple road closures throughout the summer.

The likes of Newtown Road and the A251 heading towards Faversham are to remain shut until at least the end of the month.

The former means motorists will now have to use the M20 or Kennington Road to access the town centre and the likes of Ashford International.