Motorists have been hit by delays this morning as a major route is being controlled by temporary traffic lights for roadworks.

The two-way signals are in place along the Lower Road, near Wallend Cottages, in Minster, Sheppey.

They are expected to be in place for 24 hours a day from today until Friday – although a permit does allow for Saturday and Sunday also, in case of any potential overrun.

Engineers are laying drainage channels underneath the road.

Furious motorists trying to get to work from the east end of the Island were queuing back to the former Elm Tree Pub near Brambledown this morning.

Lea Hoadley, from Leysdown, said: "From 7 o'clock this morning, it's been ridiculous.

"Coming from Leysdown, the traffic was almost queued back to Eastchurch.

"It normally takes me 25 minutes to get to Sittingbourne, this morning it took me one hour and 25 minutes.

"Other people who went through Halfway said it was a nightmare too."

He added: "If an ambulance was to try to get off this Island, it'd have no chance.

"It's silly to have these lights on for 24 hours – going home tonight is going to lock down this Island again."

Another Islander, who did not want to be named, said she had left her home in Bay View at 8am and it had taken her an hour and twenty minutes to get to Sheppey Rugby Club.

"There's no-one coming on the Island. They've got the traffic lights round the wrong way, they're just not letting anyone off."

Contractors Breheny Civil Engineering said they will be working extended hours to try to keep the time the lights are needed to a minimum. They also said the lights will be changed manually between 7am and 7pm each day to try to reduce queues.

Once these works are completed, Breheny says there will be no need for temporary lights until September.

The firm, which is installing walking and cycling paths to part of the Lower Road, has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Kent County Council has been contacted for comment.

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