A £1million scheme to resurface the main route linking Maidstone with Medway in a single weekend is being hailed a success by highways bosses.

The resurfacing of the A229 Blue Bell Hill was the largest-ever resurfacing scheme carried out by Kent Highway Services.

In order to get the work done, the entire uphill carriageway was closed between the M20 and the M2 all over the weekend.

More than 200 men worked in staggered shifts and KCC says the work was completed four hours ahead of schedule, despite workers having to stop during heavy rain on Saturday night.

Kent Online visitors also approved of the intensive approach to the work.

We ran a poll asking whether shutting the major artery road completely for a couple of days was better than staggered closures. Around 88 per cent of those who voted felt it was.

Arthur Phipps, from Rochester, said in our online SpeakOut: "I agree with the closure to get the work over and done with in one go, rather than linger on for weeks with all the disruption that would cause."

Jo Humphrey, from Maidstone, added: "Closing the road over the weekend is a much better way of doing the roadworks.

"Take a few weeks back, when roadworks (were) up and down Blue Bell Hill. Shutting off one lane causes miles of tailbacks along the M20, and to the centre of Maidstone, causing hours of frustrated motorists and higher pollution levels."

The road reopened on Monday morning. It is hoped motorists will now experience a quieter, smoother journey now the new surface is in place.