Access to a busy route is shut for 11 weeks during gas works.

Part of Sandling Lane in Maidstone is closed, preventing drivers from using the road to access the Running Horse Roundabout.

Motorists will instead have to divert via Boxley Road to get onto the motorway.

The closure was put in place on Monday (February 24) and will remain until Monday, May 12.

The works, which are being carried out by gas company SGN, are to upgrade old metal mains with new plastic pipes.

Signed diversions are currently in place and access is maintained for residents and businesses.

A spokesperson for SGN Dan Brown said: “This is part of a wider programme of work being carried out in the area over 28 weeks.

“The pipes here are reaching the end of their useful lives and it’s essential we replace them to ensure Maidstone homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.

“Our engineers are currently working between 132 Sandling Lane and its junction with Boxley Road.

“For everyone’s safety, we’ve needed to close Sandling Lane to motorists around our site.”

Mr Brown added: “We appreciate roadworks can be frustrating for road users, residents and businesses.

“However, this work is essential to keeping everyone in Maidstone safe and warm.”

The works form phase one of a 28-week-long scheme to carry out upgrades in the wider area with rolling closures as engineers progress.

They will be followed by a closure on Boxley Road while SGN works on its junctions between Sandling Lane and Neville Close from March 31 to April 20.

Engineers will then move onto the road’s intersections with Penenden Heath Road and Rock Road from Aprill 22 to July 20.

The final phase will be on Penenden Heath Road between its junctions with Boxley Road and Sittingbourne Road from July 21 to September 1.