The first phase of roadworks to improve a busy junction will last around 20 weeks.

Work on the A20 London Road between New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, and Ditton Place will begin on Monday, February 3.

Kent County Council (KCC) is planning to update the existing traffic lights at the junction to help reduce congestion.

The local authority said the current bus lane is no longer as effective as it used to be.

Instead, it will be replaced with two extra lanes to cut down queues at the lights.

It will also upgrade the footpaths and crossings along the road.

Pedestrian islands will increase in size and a new puffin crossing at the Bradbourne Lane junction will be introduced.

Work will be carried out between 8am and 5pm and, in a bid to keep cars moving, temporary traffic lights will replace the existing signals.

The road will be closed overnight for five nights while it is resurfaced.

The alterations are the first phase in a KCC three-step project to ease congestion on the A20.

The second stage will focus on widening footpaths between New Hythe Lane and Ditton Place, in some places up to three metres.

These first two parts of the project would cost around £700,000 - funded through legal agreements with developers.

Phase three will focus on improvements between Ditton Place and Station Road but detailed plans have not yet been made.

A car crashed into a traffic light at the New Hythe Lane junction yesterday evening.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling