Motorists unable to use a major route since last week will see their frustrations eased when it reopens later today.

A section of A292 Hythe Road in Ashford has been shut since about 11pm on Thursday night (August 15).

The route has been out of bounds from Gordon Close to the Henwood Industrial Estate roundabout.

It came after a water main burst 250 metres further along the stretch in Mabledon Avenue near the Esso garage.

The closure has left drivers facing another traffic headache in the town due to access from Willesborough to Ashford town centre completely blocked off.

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

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

Multiple vehicles and dozens of SGN engineers were pictured trying to remove the water opposite Gordon Close and towards Melvin Head Carpets during the weekend.

However, SGN has confirmed the route looks set to reopen from 8pm this evening (August 20) - subject to curing time of the stretch’s tarmac.

A company spokesman said: "Over the weekend, we were able to remove all of the water from our gas network in the Hythe Road area and gas has been restored to all affected properties.

"Reinstatement of Hythe Road is currently taking place and, all being well, we hope to reopen it this evening.

"Thank you to all of those who have been affected by this emergency for your ongoing support and understanding."

The gas company says those who were left without gas will receive compensation, as agreed with the energy regulator Ofgem.

This will be a figure of £70 per household for each complete 24-hour period without power.

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

The closure in Hythe Road has come at the same time Newtown Road in South Willesborough continues to remain shut while electrical cables are laid until September 5.

Other closures include the A251 from Challock and temporary traffic lights being installed in Faversham Road outside Kennington Tandoori for a further six weeks.