More misery is expected for commuters as the Chestfield Tunnel on the A299 Thanet Way has shut until next week, over a critical safety fault.

The chaos is set to impact surrounding roads, such as the A2990 Old Thanet Way, which will bear the brunt of the Whistable closure, put in place today. It will particularly impact drivers travelling between Whitstable and Herne Bay.

The emergency works were implemented after a routine inspection uncovered a safety fault in the jet fans that manage ventilation in the tunnel.

A KCC spokesperson said: "These vital jet fans are the primary safety system in the tunnel, ensuring fire crews can safely evacuate people in the event of a fire in the tunnel, as well as safely venting away traffic pollution.

“The tunnels will remain closed for the remainder of this week while emergency works and further assessment of the situation take place.

“After which, a contraflow to reopen one lane of the tunnel will be introduced over the weekend, or sooner if possible.

“While we understand this is a huge inconvenience to residents, our first priority is public safety, which we take very seriously.”

It comes just two weeks after works to replace the bumpy surface on the A299 Thanet Way, which delayed commuters by up to 45-minutes, had finished.

In response to the latest closure, the following diversions have been put in place.

London-bound (westbound): Drivers will be diverted off of the A299 Thanet Way via the A291 Canterbury Road, onto the A2990 Thanet Way, continuing onto the A290 Clapham Hill, then using the westbound slip to return to the A299 from Wraik Hill Roundabout in Whitstable.

Coastbound (eastbound): Traffic will be diverted off of the A299 Thanet Way using the slipway to travel onto the A2990 Thanet Way, before moving onto the A291 Canterbury Road to re-join the A299 Thanet Way at Herne and Broomfield.

Those travelling these routes are being warned to expect delays and to allow extra time for their journeys.