The Highways Agency's major scheme on the A2 between Pepperhill and Cobham has reached a significant milestone.

The opening of the new Marling Cross (Gravesend East) junction took place on Friday.

The new junction is part of a £122 million scheme to improve journey times for drivers using the A2, which will provide a link from the A2 to Gravesend East, Hever Court Road, Valley Drive and the Marling Cross lorry park.

A new section of road has been constructed away from residential areas between Pepperhill and Marling Cross.

It has been built close to the line of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, creating a combined transport corridor in this area.

Highways Agency project manager Phil Cheesmur said:

"The scheme is progressing well, and the completion of Marling Cross (Gravesend East) junction is an important step in the improvements we are making to the A2.

"We have also carried out extensive landscaping and planting to provide an area for the public to use on the old road between Pepperhill/Downs Road and Marling Cross.

"This includes a new combined footpath and cycleway route."

Drivers using the A2 will see a number of changes to the traffic management along four miles (7km) of the A2 between Pepperhill and Cobham Junctions.

On the Londonbound carriageway, a fourth lane has now been opened between Cobham and Marling Cross.

For the safety of road users and the workforce, a 50mph speed restriction remains in place along this stretch of the A2 until the works are completed.

The coastbound carriageway is not affected by the changes with three lanes open between Pepperhill and Cobham and a 50mph speed restriction in place for safety reasons.