Drivers face 18 months of delays in a town centre from next summer when work begins on £11 million of improvements near junction 7 of the M20.

Kent County Council (KCC) has now approved the plans, which include the enlargement of two roundabouts along Bearsted Road, at the A249 and New Cut Road junctions, signals, and the use of smart technology to reduce congestion.

Traffic lights will also be introduced at junction 7 of the M20, for Detling.

Exact details of their locations have not yet been revealed but previous blueprints saw signals controlling vehicles using the roundabout from the coastbound M20 slip road and the A249 in both directions.

Government grants account for £9.3m of the cost, with £1.5m in developer contributions and £500,000 from Maidstone council.

The scheme aims to ease congestion at the nearby Kent Medical Campus and cater for 1,500 new homes in the area.

Road works on the street between Bearsted Road and New Cut Road roundabout are expected to begin next summer over an 18-month period.

There are plans for smart technology to be introduced onto the road to improved capacity and reduce changes of traffic jams.

Project manager Russell Boorman said: “We are anticipating an 18-month period for the complete construction, the widening of two roundabouts on the Kent network and the introduction of signalisation at junction 7.

“There will be an element of delay during this time and KCC apologises in advance for this.

"At this early stage, there are no specific details on the phasing or timing of the works, but we will inform the public closer to the proposed construction start date.”

Cllr Ian Chittenden (Lib Dem) said: “I’m absolutely delighted - this is urgently needed.

"With the possibility of two new schools, further expansion of the KIMS Hospital site and M&S getting planning permission for a new shop on Eclipse Park, this is perfect timing.

“But we’ll be watching closely to make sure disruption is kept to a minimum.

"We are calling for lower speed limits to reduce accidents normally associated with roundabouts.

“We’d also like to see detailed landscaping schemes to replace and enhance the boundaries with Notcutts, easy bus access for the crematorium, newmodern pedestrian crossings with latest safety technology, and low key, less intrusive lighting to minimise the effect on wildlife in the woodlands.”

KCC will hold events in September with more information.