Dozens of numbered signs have been put up as work is set to begin on one of Kent’s busiest routes.

The Running Horse Roundabout by the A229 Blue Bell Hill in Maidstone is to become a “turbo roundabout”.

In March, it was revealed Kent County Council (KCC) plans to upgrade the junction in a bid to reduce the number of crashes and congestion.

The work will start on Monday (April 15), with the roundabout closed between 8pm and 5am every day.

It is set to take up to three weeks to complete.

Originating from the Netherlands, a “turbo roundabout” is designed to prevent drivers from switching lanes by using colour-coded routes.

This means motorists will need to pick their chosen exit before entering and follow the correct lane.

Click here to read KentOnline’s full explainer on the “turbo roundabout”.

The redesign will cost KCC around £650,000.

In the lead up to the works, a series of numbered signs with arrows have been popping up in and around the area, leaving many people bemused as to what they were for.

Several have been spotted in Boxley Road, Lower Boxley Road and on Blue Bell Hill.

People were speculating on social media about what their purpose was.

One commented: “It’s for the drivers that have deliveries etc – so they know where their access meeting point or drop off is as they are scattered around due to space.”

Another said: “We thought it might have been some sort of parking for the Maidstone Football Club game the other night.

“But then we saw the signs at the top of Blue Bell Hill.”

Some believed it was to do with a marathon event.

However, KCC confirmed the signs are part of several diversion routes for the works.

Each number represents a different exit route. Full details can be found on the one.network website.

“Numbered directional signs are being installed to divert traffic in different directions while the Running Horse Roundabout works are carried out,” a spokeswoman explained.

“When the work starts and the slip roads are closed, signs will be erected to advise drivers which numbered diversion they should follow.”

The junction will be open as normal outside of the overnight closures.

KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr Neil Baker (Con), said: “In the past three years 13 personal injury crashes have been reported to us, making this junction a key priority for work to reduce injuries on the public highway.

“The figure for the past five years is 29.

“By introducing this innovative design we hope to reduce the number of incidents where people are hurt in collisions.

“Given the extremely high volume of traffic that uses this route day after day, we are taking great care in warning people of this change in advance of the works taking place, which are essential to ensure the safety of all road users.”