MOTORISTS and residents are bracing themselves for more traffic misery as major roadworks get under way in Maidstone.

Highways contractors employed by Kent County Council are due to move into The Broadway this weekend for a three-month project. They say the resurfacing work should cut traffic noise and vibration.

New street lighting will also be installed as part of the work, which will cost a total of £580,000.

The need for the repairs showed up in a routine assessment by contractors Babtie of the one-way triangle around Tonbridge Road, Terrace Road and Rocky Hill.

About half the existing road will be completely rebuilt and the rest will have the top 90mm of road surface replaced over the coming weeks.

To minimise disruption at one of the town's busiest junctions all the roads will be open between 6am and 7pm weekdays and Satur-days.

Most work will be done at weekends. Some roads will have to be closed while the work is being done.

Terrace Road will be closed for four weekends from 7pm Saturday until 6am Monday, but access to homes and side roads will be maintained.

Tonbridge Road and Westree Road will be closed on different weekends to Terrace Road, and local diversions will operate.

The traffic lane into the town centre at the top of Rocky Hill will also be closed on two weekends with diversions via Buckland Hill.

Traffic will be restricted to a single lane to complete the work, with alternative route signs also put in place via Buckland Hill.

KCC lead member for environment and transport Cllr Paulina Stockell (Con) said: "The Broadway is a main entry for traffic coming into Maidstone.

"It is vital we that carry out this work. I hope that drivers and residents will bear with us while the road is being improved."

Cllr Brian Moss (Con), who represents Bridge ward on Maidstone Borough Council, said: "I am assured that they made a good job of Upper Stone Street with little disruption. A similar plan is being planned here.

"Obviously these works are going to cause some disruption but, with any luck, with working hours promised, it will be kept to a minimum."