Residents say the closure of a major route is causing “absolute carnage” – with an ambulance among the vehicles stuck in standstill traffic.

Side roads have become gridlocked as motorists try to find a way in and out of Canterbury after the A28 at Wincheap was shut.

The key route has been closed since Wednesday afternoon for emergency gas works amid ongoing repairs to the network which have taken place this month.

The disruptive roadworks, which were supposed to be completed on October 16, were extended for two weeks until November 1.

Motorists have been spotted trying to use narrow residential streets as an alternative to the A28, which has led to gridlock in some areas.

Footage captured in Norman Road, off Old Dover Road, yesterday shows an ambulance stuck in the chaos.

Cars can be seen queuing from opposite directions and meeting head-on in the middle of the road.

Josh Leppenwell, 30, witnessed what he described as “absolute carnage” yesterday as he worked in Norman Road.

“Traffic was at its worst between 10am and midday,” the Eternal Energy Systems worker said.

“It was stop-start all day and the ambulance was probably held up for about five to eight minutes, which is life and death.

“Having spoken to the paramedic as she sat in the traffic, she said she had an emergency.

“Throughout the day it was like this but also had its clear spells.

“At one point, we witnessed a lady hit a parked car as she was struggling to manoeuvre to allow cars through.

“There were also a few verbal altercations.”

Kent Highways has warned those travelling in the area to expect delays.

A statement by SGN on Wednesday said: “We had originally hoped to complete this work under a two-way temporary traffic light in Wincheap.

“However, due to operational difficulties including the size and number of excavations required, we now need to close Wincheap both ways for everyone's safety.

“The road will be closed from 2pm [on Wednesday] with significant signed diversion routes in place for motorists.

“We would advise motorists to avoid travelling if possible or leave extra time for your journey.

“We have also temporarily closed Simmonds Road and Tudor Road at their junctions with Wincheap.”

The company cannot yet say when the road will reopen, adding: “To complete our work as quickly as possible, we’ll continue to work extended hours every day from 7.30am to 11pm.

“It’s still too soon to say how quickly we’ll complete our urgent repairs, but we will provide updates.”

The work is being carried out at the junction with Simmonds Road, which has been closed at its junction with the A28.