Work to install gates on the central reservation of the M2 gets underway tonight, Friday, between Junction 5 at Sittingbourne and Junction 6 at Faversham.

It will mean that when an incident closes part of the 12 mile stretch, a gate can be opened and motorists can be moved onto the other carriageway so they can continue their journey.

Domenic McLeman, operations manager at the Highways Agency said: "The current practice is that we will reverse vehicles from the back and take them to the junction they have just passed.

"This barrier system gives us the opportunity to move more vehicles quicker in a more managed way onto the other carriageway.

"In effect the outcome is the same it is just that we will be able to do it quicker."

The work should be completed in March and while it is taking place there will be outside lane closures and a temporary 50 mph speed limit on both carriageways.

The hard shoulder will be used to keep traffic flowing.