All lanes of the A249 have opened after days of congestion due to roadworks that overran.

The lefthand lane of the Maidstone-bound carriageway was closed since Wednesday while Kent County Council repairs two damaged drain covers.

The closure, which began just before the Shell petrol station and ended near the start of Detling Hill, was initially supposed to just be overnight Wednesday to Thursday.

KCC then said it would need to be in place overnight Thursday as well.

But on Friday the authority announced part of the lane would remain closed all weekend and be removed at some point today (Monday).

The stretch that was closed was reduced though and the closure then ended before Detling Hill.

This morning queues stretched back to Stockbury roundabout, for junction 5 of the M2, the Sittingbourne junction.

A spokesman said: "Due to structural defects within a manhole chamber that works were carried out on it is necessary for the current southbound lane one closure to remain in place just before the Shell garage.

"It will remain on site throughout the weekend and be removed during the day on Monday, November 14."

Adding to the chaos when drivers finally get into Maidstone is another lane closure, on the A229 College Road, close to the junction with College Avenue.

South East Water is repairing a leak and could be there until Friday.