Roadworks are getting underway this week to improve the Darenth Interchange linking the A2 and M25.

Drivers are being warned to expect disruption during the work, which began today and is expected to bring overnight closures until the work is complete in the summer.

Highways England says the interchange at Junction 2 on the M25 is often hit by congestion at peak times with tailbacks queuing onto the main carriageways of the A2 and the M25, causing more delays and significantly increasing the risk of a collision, and that the junction frequently sees poor lane discipline and drivers jumping red lights.

Work being carried will create an extra lane on the roundabout and extend a slip road to increase capacity, while traffic lights will be upgraded to improve the flow of traffic across the roundabout.

There will also be improved road signs and lane markings on the roundabout and enforcement cameras will be installed to improve compliance with the traffic lights.

Highways England route sponsor Tommy Whittingham said: “This busy junction is just over two miles away from the Dartford Crossing, and congestion here can often have knock on effects for the wider network. These vital improvements will help to ease congestion for drivers in the area, not only for drivers using the junction but it will also help to smooth the flow of traffic for drivers heading north towards the Dartford tunnels.

“It is the most significant improvement work that has been carried out at this junction since 2008. Even though the majority of the work is taking place overnight, we understand there will be some disruption while we upgrade the roundabout. We advise road users to plan their journeys and leave extra time if possible when work is taking place.”

Preliminary work on the improvements started last year in the area around the junction, and now will move to the roundabout itself.

Only one half of the roundabout will be closed at a time with traffic diverted via the A2 and A282. Advanced warning signage will be displayed ahead of each restriction starting, with clearly signed diversions in place for drivers.

The work, which will be carried out in phases, is part of a package of improvements to ease congestion around the Dartford Crossing ahead of the proposed opening of the Lower Thames Crossing in 2027.