Overnight closures and lane restrictions on a dual carriageway will be implemented while “critical safety work” takes place on a bridge.

National Highways will be completing the repairs on the structure along the A2 in Bridge near Canterbury and a village road is set to shut for several months.

The project will put Patrixbourne Road out of action for four weeks from next Monday (October 30) until the work is completed in the spring.

Some 24 bearings will be replaced on the bridge which carries the dual carriageway over Patrixbourne Road.

A National Highways spokesperson said the essential maintenance work will replace the joints that attach the road deck to the supports below.

They added: “We know that living, working, and travelling in the area while we make these vital safety improvements won’t be easy, so we are grateful for the patience and understanding shown.”

Ahead of the start of the vital maintenance work National Highways project manager, Nicola Thorp, said: “It’s vital that structures on National Highways’ motorways and major A-roads are kept in good condition to make sure they remain safe, reliable, and keep traffic moving.

“Like any bridge, it requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains safe and reliable for the thousands of motorists who use it daily. This upcoming scheme is part of our ongoing efforts and investment in keeping key routes in the south east in good condition.”

A diversion will be in place via Patrixbourne Road, The Street, Bifrons Hill, Bekesbourne Road, Town Hill and High Street.

For the safety of the workforce, narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit will be in place on the A2 where it passes over Patrixbourne Road while work is done.

This means the A2 coastbound will be closed between Harbledown (A2050) and Coldharbour Lane on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5, between 8pm and 8am.

The A2 towards London will also be shut between Bonny Bush Hill and Roman Road (A2050) on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19 between 8pm and 8am.

Finally, the A2 will also be out of action in both directions from 8pm on Saturday, December 9 until 8am Sunday, December 10.

During the closures, a 35-mile signed diversion will be in place via the A299 Thanet Way and A256 to the Whitfield roundabout from Brenley Corner adding an extra 14 miles on to the journey.