Drivers are facing chaos on the roads this weekend as the M2 is to close for "urgent repairs" amid warnings of Operation Stack's return.

The coastbound carriageway of the M20 between junctions eight and nine was shut for long periods of Wednesday and Thursday so Stack could be activated, as high winds caused disruption at the ports.

Now motorists are being warned of waterproofing, resurfacing and repair works at the Stockbury viaduct near Sittingbourne, meaning the coastbound carriageway of the M2 will be shut all weekend.

As a result, drivers are facing a 36-mile diversion, for a journey that would normally only take 13 miles, between 6am Saturday and 6am Monday.

Highways chiefs say coastbound traffic will be diverted off the M2 at junction five, then onto the southbound A249 before joining the coastbound M20 at junction seven, until junction nine.

Drivers should then exit the M20 at junction nine and take the A28 towards Canterbury, then join the A2 and continue on coast bound for Dover, or back London-bound for the Brenley Corner Roundabout.

The London-bound carriageway, meanwhile, will also be closed from 8pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday, with traffic diverted via the A2 eastbound towards Dover, then the A20, and M20 to junction seven and the A249 north to re-join the M2 London-bound at junction five.

Highways England insists all roadworks on the M20 on Friday night will be completed before the M2 work begins, however, high winds are again expected on Saturday, meaning there is a chance Stack may be activated once again.

Road users are strongly advised to check their journey - and travel conditions - before they set out over the weekend.