Frustrated motorists faced three days of traffic hell in Ashford as emergency manhole repairs shut a dual carriageway.

National Highways closed the eastbound side of A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road on Wednesday between the Cloverleaf and Orbital Park roundabouts.

The half-mile stretch was still closed today but finally reopened at 5pm, sparking relief among drivers across the town.

Residents had described the traffic as an "absolute nightmare" on Facebook, with Mary Lenthall saying: "It's best to stay at home... Ashford is really bad."

South East Water, which was responsible for the collapsed manhole, says it completed the repair as quickly as possible.

Regional network manager Andy Beston said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by closing the A2070 to repair a dropped chamber cover.

"The repair has been completed and we agreed with Kent Highways to fully reopen the road at 5pm."

Drivers have already faced months of disruption in the area as contractors are replacing the Orbital Park roundabout with traffic lights as part of the 'Bellamy Gurner' project.

Work started in May and was supposed to be completed in October but delays caused by Operation Brock and issues at the Port of Dover meant the timeline was pushed back.

It is now expected to be finished in mid-January.

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