An extensive set of works on the M2 will begin tonight – with delays and diversions expected to be in place until September.

Resurfacing works on various sections of the motorway between Gillingham and Faversham will see both coastbound and London-bound traffic affected at various times over the next five weeks.

A spokesman for National Highways said: “We'll soon be returning to finish our resurfacing work on the M2 between junctions 4 and 5.

“Following on from this, we're going to be resurfacing between junctions 6 and 7. This will maintain safety and improve the journey for road users.

“This work will continue to be weeknights only, starting at 8pm (unless stated), until 6am the following morning, when there are fewer vehicles on the road.”

The project is due to start tonight and will continue until Thursday, August 3 – excluding Monday, July 31 - with the M2 coastbound between junctions 4 and 5 closed weeknights from 10pm to 6am.

The diversion route for this set of works will be in place from M2 junction 3 via the A229, M20 and A249 to M2 junction 5.

“This work will continue to be weeknights only when there are fewer vehicles on the road...”

Following on from that, the M2 London-bound will be shut off between junctions 5 and 4 from 10pm to 6am with a signed diversion route guiding motorists from M2 junction 5 via the A249, M20 and A229 to M2 junction 3.

On weeknights only between August 9 and August 18, London-bound traffic on the M2 between junctions 7 at Brenley Corner and 5 at Stockbury will be diverted between 8pm and 6am.

The diversion route planned will be from M2 junction 7 and will take travellers along the A2, A20, M20 and A249 to M2 junction 5.

The final stretch of works will see coastbound lanes between junctions 5 and 7 closed off on weeknights between August 21 and September 1 – excluding Friday, August 25 and the Bank Holiday Monday on August 28.

A signed diversion route will be in place from M2 junction 5 via the A249, M20, A20, and A2 to M2 junction 7.