The A249 will be shut in both directions as work on a multi-million-pound improvement project continues.

A new bridge is being installed as part of the Grovehurst Roundabout revamp between Iwade and Kemsley near Sittingbourne.

This will create a second bridge for the new-look layout which is a dumbbell design and includes a one-way gyratory system.

It is being built on the Sheppey side of the roundabout and includes a path for pedestrians and cyclists linking through to Iwade.

The Kent County Council-led project is expected to cost £32.7 million and is being delivered by Jackson Civil Engineering.

This is part of a wider scheme to improve and future-proof the road network in the Sittingbourne area to cope with an influx of housing.

However, a dormice nest has prevented work from starting at Key Street, which is also being revamped, while Grovehurst junction is also behind schedule.

To allow for the bridge to be put in place both the Sheppey and Maidstone-bound lanes will shut from 8pm today (Friday, August 30) until 5am on Monday, September 2.

The diversion route will be up and down the Sheppey and Maidstone-bound exit and entry slip roads.

In preparation for the bridge installation, the Sheppey-bound exit slip and the new Sheppey-bound entry slip will reopen during the night works while the main road is closed.

After the bridge beams are in place both these parts of the junction will remain open under traffic management.

The busy slip road has been closed since April.

Traffic management on the A249 is due to be lifted in January 2025 and all other roadworks being complete by May 2025.