A hospital says it is “grateful” after temporary traffic lights causing major delays were removed a week earlier than expected.

Drivers were told to plan ahead after roadworks started along Hermitage Lane, Aylesford, at the beginning of January.

Three-way traffic lights were set up on Tuesday, January 2 at the bottom of the road, by the entrance to McDonald’s, Aldi, Poundstretcher and Pet Hut.

They were expected to be in place for more than two weeks for a water main to be installed by Walker Construction.

As well as being a busy route between Barming and Aylesford, it’s used by ambulances and patients to get to Maidstone Hospital.

The trust had warned patients that the roadworks were causing “major traffic delays”.

It stated: “Please plan alternative routes and avoid the area if possible, and allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling to Maidstone Hospital.”

At the time, several people took to social media to express their frustration.

@SteveO726332 posted on X, formerly Twitter: “The traffic is chaos as these roadworks have blocked surrounding roads on A20 out of Maidstone.

“Someone needs to sort the traffic light phasing out sharpish. Ambulances cannot get through to hospital.”

The roadworks were expected to go on for another week, until this Friday (January 19).

However, they have been completed a week ahead of schedule.

The hospital’s emergency planning and response team said: “We are grateful to Walker Ltd for expediting the roadworks in Hermitage Lane and for working with us to get the works removed a week early.

“This will reduce delays on the approach to Maidstone Hospital. Thanks!”

The news has come as a big relief to commuters who also use the route.

Ellie Kelsey said: “Thank you to the workers for getting this completed early. We appreciate you.”

Lauren Bourke added: “Traffic was so much better this morning! Well done.”