An MP says he has been given assurances a busy road will reopen as planned tomorrow.

The promise follows congestion chaos this morning when Lower Road was closed this morning, leading to long delays between the A249 Sheppey Way at the Leysdown turn-off and Barton Hill Drive.

The road was closed overnight for repairs, but it did not reopen by 4am as planned and remained closed for several hours more.

MP Gordon Henderson, who was caught up in the traffic, said he complained to Kent Highways “in the strongest possible terms”.

He said: “The delay was due to a problem with the sub-contractor who was tasked with turning the traffic lights back on. I have demanded that action is taken to ensure that there is no repeat of the chaos.

“I have suggested that if switching the lights on remains a problem, that KCC simply remove the cones and leave the lights off until they can be switched on later in the day.

“I am sure Island motorists will be able to navigate the Barton Hill Junction quite safely whilst the lights are off.”

The roadworks were scheduled to take place between 8pm and 4am for four nights from Monday.

Mr Henderson said he has been assured the road will reopen tomorrow by 4am as planned.