Motorists have been told to expect delays as weeks of road closures and diversions are put in place in Margate while teams work to replace gas mains.

The works, which are expected to last eight weeks from today until March 10, will see the A254 Ramsgate Road closed north-bound.

The road will be shut between the QEQM Hospital access road and the junction of B2052 College Road.

It has led to multiple diversions and road closures, while buses will also be impacted by the works.

The four-mile official diversion route is via the A254 south-bound, A256 east-bound, A255 north-bound, B2052 west-bound and vice versa.

Traffic website one.network warns "delays are likely" in the area during the closure.

Left-hand turning restrictions are in place in Salmestone Road, St Augustine's Avenue and St Andrews Close while right-hand turning restrictions are in place on the QEQM Hospital access road and Perkins Avenue.

On the buses, Margate-bound Stagecoach Loop and 8 services will not be running in Ramsgate Road.

For services at Westwood Gateway, Gordon Road, B&Q, Farley Road, Pilgrims Hospice and QEQM, passengers are asked to use buses towards Westwood Cross and then change for connecting services to Margate.

For services at Alexandra Road, a temporary bus stop has been placed opposite Watling Tyres.

Dan Brown, spokesperson for gas company SGN, told KentOnline: "Our engineers are replacing old metal mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply is delivered to local properties.

"We’ll be working along the A254 Ramsgate Road between the entrance to the QEQM Hospital and Salmestone Road for approximately eight weeks. We’re working extended hours on weekdays and at weekends to ensure our project remains on schedule.

"To ensure everyone’s safety while this work is carried out, we need to close the northbound carriageway of the A254 between these junctions. A signed diversion route is in place for affected motorists. Vehicles will still be able to turn right into the hospital.

"Once this phase of work is completed, we have further network upgrades to carry out near to A254 Ramsgate Road’s junction with Sloe Lane."