Parts of the A2 will be closed throughout the next six weeks as work to repair the busy route continues.

National Highways will be returning to finish resurfacing and improvements between Brenley Corner near Faversham and Bridge, near Canterbury and putting a 35-mile diversion in place.

The work will be carried out on weeknights between 8pm and 6am only and progress in stages until March 27.

But progress might be affected by heavy rain and is subject to favourable weather conditions.

The A2 coastbound will be closed between Brenley Corner and Bridge near Canterbury from Monday until the planned completion date on Wednesday, February 21.

The London-bound stretch will then be closed between Bridge and Brenley Corner from Friday, February 23 to Friday, March 1, and again from Monday, March 11 to Wednesday, March 27.

A diversion route will be in place via the A299 Thanet Way and A256 via Sandwich – a distance of 35 miles.

National Highways said in a notice on its website: “Access will be maintained to properties with access directly off the A2.

“Please approach the closure point for an escort.

“This is for access only and there may be a short delay while we make the area safe for you to pass.”