Thousands of drivers are being diverted as one of the main routes in Canterbury has closed this weekend.

The A28 is shut in both directions at Sturry level crossing for the duration of both Saturday and Sunday.

The closure is to allow for Network Rail to carry out drainage and channel repair works on the tracks.

Kent Highways teams have shut the route in the vicinity of the level crossing, with Island Road remaining open.

The diversion for drivers heading out of Canterbury directs them to loop around in a triangular route, starting by taking the turning off the A28 by KFC and onto Vauxhall Road.

Heading through the retail estate, past the superstores, Parker Steel and the city's tip, motorists are directed to then turn onto Broad Oak Road and merge onto Shalloak Road.

Driving up the hill to Broad Oak, the diversion then heads right onto Sweechgate and joins the A291.

Motorists then head down past Greenfields and towards the A28 Island Road junction.

The same diversion is in force for those heading into Canterbury from Thanet direction.

Access for emergency service vehicles and pedestrians is being maintained at all times during the closure.

Vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, except from buses, are being directed on a much longer signed diversion due to a weight restriction on Sweechgate.

The A28 closure is being enforced until 12am Monday morning.

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