The planned closure of a busy motorway junction for a new safety barrier to be installed has been called off due to stormy weather.

Junction 1 of the M20, also known as the Swanley Interchange, was set to shut this weekend for safety improvements.

More than 350 metres of upgraded central reservation safety barrier was due to be fitted close to its connection with junction three of the M25.

But the closure to allow the works, which had been planned at junction 1 between the slip roads from 10pm on Friday, December 6 until 5.30am on Monday, December 9, has now been cancelled due to rain and wind linked to Storm Darragh.

A spokesman for National Highways said: “Owing to the yellow weather warning this weekend the closure has been postponed.”

Kent is set for another storm, with gusts of up to 80mph.

Heavy rain and strong winds could bring disruption between 3pm on Thursday and 6am on Sunday with the Met Office placing the whole county under a yellow weather warning during this timeframe.

It’s hoped when the works due go ahead a new improved barrier will keep the road safe for motorists and require less maintenance in the future.

Amelia Yeodal, National Highways programme development manager, said: “Our work here will improve safety for those using this section of the M20.

“We carefully plan all our work to keep disruption to a minimum.”

National Highways says it will provide more updates on future closure in due course.