Visitors to the Heritage Transport Show should plan their journeys after it was confirmed the A249 will remain closed because of a burst water man.

The lane is closed on the northbound carriageway of the A249 Detling Hill after the water main ruptured on Thursday evening.

South East Water is repairing the leak but the lane is still closed so the damage could be assessed today.

South East Water’s Regional Network Manager Jenny Rhodes said: “We are really sorry we have had to keep one lane closed which has caused disruption to drivers.

“We are very grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding while we deal with this incident and work as quickly as we can to get everything back to normal.”

The burst on a 12 inch diameter main happened at 4.30pm on Thursday with the road closed shortly afterwards for safety due to the amount of water on the road.

Water was rerouted around the networks to stop the flow onto the road and isolate the pipe while repairs were carried out.

Drivers are being advised to leave extra time for their journey and find alternative routes if possible especially if they are heading to the Heritage Transport Show which is being staged tomorrow.

Thousands of visitors are expected at the event and Kent County Council tweeted about the closure earlier.

Highways England suggests drivers heading London bound on the M20 should consider using Blue Bell Hill and the M2 or the A251 to junction six of the M2.

Drivers using the M20 eastbound should also consider exiting the M20 at junction 6 onto the A229 towards Bluebell Hill and the M2.

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.

Avoid getting stuck on Kent's roads by keeping up-to-date on all of the latest traffic and travel news here or by following our live blog.