Delays are being reported this morning as work to widen the M20 junction 4 bridge began.

The £4.8m eight-month project will see the number of lanes on the eastern side of the bridge increased from two to three in addition to improved traffic markings.

This will create a new lane for motorists travelling on the A228 from Snodland towards the London bound M20 carriageway.

It is hoped with new developments under way at Peter’s Village, Wouldham; Leybourne Park, New Hythe; and St Andrews Park, Halling, these steps will alleviate any potential traffic issues.

During the works, which have been part funded to the tune of £2.2m by the Department of Transport, all lanes of the M20 will stay open but a 50mph speed limit with reduced lane widths will apply.

A temporary mandatory speed limit of 30mph has been imposed on the A228 Castle Way and Leybourne By-Pass between Leybourne Way and Park Road Roundabout.

Traffic is unable to turn right out of Castle Way (south) onto the A228, instead being diverted via the Park Road roundabout.

The existing pedestrian route through the junction will be maintained as will the bus stops on either side of the A228 Castle Way (north).

Matthew Balfour, Kent County Council cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: “The A228 is a key route in west Kent. It provides access to many homes and employment between the Medway towns and Kings Hill.

"Once complete, this work will help to mitigate the expected growth we are seeing in housing, further boosting the county’s economy.

“Our aim is to construct the scheme as efficiently as possible, so that we keep the period of inconvenience as short as possible.

"For that reason, we have chosen to work over the spring and summer because there is longer daylight and hopefully better and more reliable weather conditions.

“We know that the works will cause inconvenience particularly at peak periods.

"We will do our best to keep residents and businesses informed, so that they can plan journeys.

"We would also like to thank people in advance for their understanding and patience."