Drivers could be faced with months of gridlock, with roadworks planned on a road leading off an industrial estate.

Commissioner's Road in Strood is set to be closed for more than four months for gas mains works, leaving drivers with only one route in and out of Medway City Estate.

Medway Council says the SGN works are due to last from June 6 until October 10, with the closure enforced at all times during the works period.

It's understood around 6,000 workers are based on the estate and the announcement will come as a blow for those already facing delays at peak times.

A recently completed slip road on the Anthony's Way roundabout was designed to improve traffic flow leading onto Berwick Way – but has not totally eliminated delays.

With Anthony's Way left as the only route off the estate in the coming months, it's feared delays will inevitably lengthen.

Roland Beaumont, founder of the Medway City Estate Traffic Forum, said there was no point fighting against the plans, but admitted drivers were set to suffer.

"It's going to have a massive impact," he said. "It means going home is going to be a nightmare. The first week will be terrible as people learn to adjust.

"This is a time when it's difficult to find and retain staff. People will say 'stuff this' and leave."

Mr Beaumont, who works at Medway Computers in Anthony's Way, said the new slip road had helped improve journey times for those travelling over the roundabout off the estate.

But he said it was inevitable that traffic would get worse with the closure of Commissioner's Road.

"It's going to mean longer journey times and fewer people coming into the estate to engage with us," he added. "It's going to cost businesses massively."

Medway Council and SGN have been approached for further comment.