A section of motorway shut for roadworks during a busy weekend is reportedly causing “mayhem” for drivers.

Drivers are facing delays due to the M20 London bound being closed between Junction five and six on the A249, Maidstone.

The planned works have caused traffic to back up to Junction seven with delays of up to an hour.

The closure is part of a scheme to lay down road improvement which started on September 22 and is planned for October 19 over a staggered period.

This weekend’s work started yesterday evening at 8pm (September 29) and will continue until 6am on Monday, October 2.

Kerrie Thomas, who was caught in tailbackthe said the closures are causing “mayhem” after being stuck between junction 7 and 6 for one hour.

She added: “I have lived in Maidstone for 49 years and the traffic flow is absolutely atrocious.”

Another driver took to social media and said it’s an “absolute joke trying to get anywhere these days”.

A diversion route will be in place via the distributor lane.

National Highways says the works are “critical to maintaining and improving safety”.

According to reports from travel news specialists Inrix: “The M20 London bound is closed with queueing traffic due to weekend roadworks until the early hours of Monday morning from Junction 6 A229 Blue Bell Hill to Junction 5.

“There is congestion to Junction 7.”

Diversions are in place via Forstal Road to Aylesford and the A20 London Road.