A long stretch of the M20 will be closed in both directions this weekend to allow for the installation of a new bridge at Junction 10a.

Highways England will shut the coastbound stretch between Junction 9 for Ashford and 11 for Hythe from 10pm on Friday to 6am on Monday.

The London-bound stretch between Junctions 11 and 10 will also be closed during the same period.

Bosses say the steelwork for the east gyratory bridge at Junction 10a will be installed during the closure.

A mobile crane will be set up to place beams onto the reinforced concrete supports either side of the motorway.

Later this month, the west gyratory bridge will be installed, meaning the M20 will be closed again from January 25 to 28 over the same time period.

Later this month, the west gyratory bridge will be installed, meaning the M20 will be closed again from January 25 to 28 over the same time period.

Highways England says signposted diversions will be in place to ensure drivers follow the most suitable routes around the closure.

Road closure signage will be provided on the M20, M25 and M26 to encourage through traffic to be diverted well away from the Ashford region.

Motorists are being advised to refrain from using sat-navs while on the diversion route.

Junction 10a - which is costing £104m - is expected to open to traffic next autumn and is being built just 700 metres away from the current junction 10.

The M20 has already been reduced to two lanes in both directions around the site of the new junction.

A 50mph limit is also in place - and will stay in force until 2020.

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