The M20 is expected to reopen ahead of schedule as work to replace a footbridge nears completion.

The motorway was due to be closed until 6am on Monday while the work was carried out.

But this evening, Highways England confirmed the new bridge is now in place.

The main part of the footbridge was put in place at about 8.20am and engineers started to work on the left hand side connection from land to the bridge.

Pictures posted by Highways England earlier today showed the new footbridge arriving at the scene overnight.

The first section of the footbridge was lifted into place this morning.

The closure caused congestion on surrounding roads.

There was slow moving traffic west-bound between Ditton and Leybourne.

Teapot Lane footbridge in Aylesford was removed in September, closing the motorway between Junction 4 for Leybourne and Junction 6 at Blue Bell Hill.

The new bridge was supposed to be installed by the end of the summer holidays nearly three months ago.

It had intended to carry out replacement works last weekend, clashing with Remembrance Sunday.

Facing criticism from Remembrance Parade organisers and Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch, Highways England vowed to have work done by the morning of Remembrance Sunday.

However to eliminate any risk, Highways England changed its route once more in October.

The motorway was closed in both directions between junction four (Leybourne) and six (Blue Bell Hill).

Traffic is being diverted via the A228, M2 and A229.

During the closure the entry slip at junction seven (Maidstone) has been closed, after drivers were caught on camera driving the wrong way to get off the M20 and avoid a previous closure.

The closure was due to last until 6am on Monday, but could now be lifted overnight.