Lane closures on A229 to last for 12 weeks

Parts of the A229 at Blue Bell Hill will be closed over 12 weeks for survey works

Lane closures will be in place on a stretch of the A229 in Kent for 12 weeks as part of survey works ahead of an upcoming improvement scheme.

Parts of the road near Blue Bell Hill, Chatham will be shut for three weeks at a time, started on 15 September and staggered over the following months.

Temporary speed limits of 40mph will be in place between Lord Lees and Cobtree roundabouts while works are underway.

Peter Osborne, Kent County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said it was an "important step" in improving the road.

The closures will allow teams to carry out surveys to assess the ground and drainage conditions near the road.

Mr Osbourne said it will "ensure that future upgrades are well-informed and deliver long-term benefits".

He added: "Teams have worked hard to plan these works in a way that minimises disruption, and I'd like to thank residents and motorists for their patience while we carry out this vital work."

A Maidstone-bound slip road to Lower Warren Road will also close overnight for 12 nights, from 22 September.

Kent County Council said in January the cost of the A229 improvement scheme had risen to £250 million.

Full details of the closures can be found on the Kent County Council website.