Motorists faced long delays on two major roads this evening due to a “safety critical infrastructure defect”.

There was slow moving traffic on the M2 coastbound between Junction 3, from Maidstone and Chatham, and Junction 5, for the A249 and Sittingbourne.

Traffic was temporarily held twice on the M2 within Junction 5 – once before 4.30pm and again at 5.06pm.

National Highways warned drivers of delays of up to 60 minutes and there was approximately six miles of congestion.

A spokeswoman said: “At 5pm, due to an infrastructure defect, there was reduced capacity within J5.

“Traffic officers and contractors worked to reopen the lanes as soon as the defect had been safely repaired.

“Around 5:35pm, repair had been carried out and all lanes were reopened.”

There was also slow-moving traffic on the A249 Sheppey-bound between Bimbury Lane and the M2 Junction 5 Stockbury Roundabout.

The emergency services have been contacted for comment.

A witness driving past on the London-bound carriageway said: “The London-bound carriageway is clear but the coastbound carriageway is stationary from Sittingbourne to Rochester. Traffic is not moving.

“If there is an accident I didn’t see it but I did see an emergency repair on the road just after the Sittingbourne slip road onto the coastbound carriageway.

“Traffic is being diverted off the motorway and onto the A249. The whole carriageway is chocca blocka.”