Maidstone motorists are set for travel misery next week as lane closures on the gyratory system will occur during peak hours.

Improvement works began in June. The £5.7m project will see two new lanes created to enable drivers using the A229 toward Blue Bell Hill and Chatham to avoid the bridge system.

The third phase of the development begins nest Monday and the closures will remain in Place until Wednesday.

A KCC spokesman confirmed: ““Due to the deep excavation required it will be necessary for lane closures to remain in place between during both peak and off peak periods.

“This is to allow the alterations on Bishops Way at the junction with the High Street to be carried out."

It comes as shoppers were stuck for two hours at the Fremlin Walk car park on Saturday. KCC say there was no 'obvious reason' for the long delays other than it being a busy shopping day.

A spokesman confirmed: “We have been working on the Maidstone Bridges improvement scheme since June and whilst we appreciate the works will cause some slight delay, it is not at the level seen at the weekend.

“Whether it was increased numbers of visitors to Fremlin Walk, we are unsure, but have contacted them to get their anticipated visitor numbers.

“Whilst we will be double checking the phasing on traffic lights, at this stage there does not seem to be any obvious reason for the additional congestion – other than it being a busy Saturday afternoon."

Completion remains on track for November.