New drone pictures have revealed the latest progress on a multi-million pound junction revamp.

Aerial shots show the start of changes being made to Coldharbour Roundabout near Maidstone in a bid to reduce congestion.

Contractors Breheny have been working on the A20 improvements which began on Monday, February 12.

They were appointed by Kent County Council (KCC) after the scheme was approved in 2019.

The project costs £5m and has been paid for through the government's Local Growth Fund and developer contributions.

KCC says it will help reduce congestion and improve air quality, as well as the capacity to accommodate further development.

The junction is set to change from two lanes to three around the roundabout, with additional lanes provided on the approaches. Traffic lights will be removed and replaced by Give Way lines.

It is expected to be finished by mid-December. The project is currently on schedule.

So far a temporary concrete barrier has been installed to separate workers from the road. This allows construction to take place without having to close traffic lanes.

However, one lane northbound towards the M20 is set to become narrower.

At the beginning of the month, KentOnline reported residents’ shock after dozens of trees were felled.

Plans to install an attenuation tank, which will reduce the threat of flooding, meant the existing foliage couldn't be retained.

Approximately 70 trees are being replanted as part of the landscaping that will be carried out at the end of the project.

All preparations have now been completed and throughout April construction will take place.

For the latest news on the Coldharbour Roundabout project, click here.

A spokesperson from KCC said: “The work will include bulk earthworks to the offline area (West) of the scheme, including importation of fill material.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

“This is in preparation for drainage works and the diversion of existing services in the area.

“In March the traffic lights on the roundabout will be turned off and the roundabout will become ‘give way’, with drivers needing to give priority to traffic coming from the right.

“Lane closures will be implemented as required. Any road closures will be at night.”