Drivers can expect lengthy delays until tomorrow evening as emergency repairs are carried out to the M2.

Two lanes have been closed on the M2 coast-bound between J2 and J3 - the Rochester Bridge section - for emergency bridge works to be carried out by Highways England.

An expansion joint on the bridge has become damaged, affecting lanes one and two (of four) on the motorway over the bridge.

Lanes one and two are currently closed.

From 10pm this evening lane three will also be closed overnight until 6am tomorrow, while repairs are made to lane two.

Then, from 6am on Friday, lane three will reopen while the repairs are completed in lane one.

Lane four of the coastbound carriageway and the westbound carriageway will remain open throughout the work.

The bridge is expected to be fully open to traffic in both directions after 6pm tomorrow evening.

Expansion joints protect the structural integrity of a bridge by enabling it to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature.

The work will include its full replacement. The joint, a 6ft by 30ft metal plate, connects the bridge deck to the main M2 carriageway.

Planned overnight resurfacing work on the M20 eastbound between junction four and junction six has been postponed, to reduce any unnecessary delays for road users who could be using the M20 as an alternative route.

Highways England originally said the work should be completed by midday today, but that timing has now been revised.

Drivers are advised to check conditions before setting out and if necessary to leave extra time for their journeys.

Listen to kmfm throughout the day for regular travel updates.