The London-bound carriageway of the M2 at junction 2 will face a series of overnight and full closures for nearly three weeks starting tonight.

The closures are a result of essential maintenance on the Merrals Shaw Bridge in Kent, which includes replacing expansion joints, resurfacing, and waterproofing.

The work is vital to keep the bridge in good condition.

The first set of overnight closures will be from Monday, May 20 to Friday, May 24, with the carriageway shut from 9pm to 6am each night.

This will be followed by a full weekend closure from 9pm on Friday, May 31 to 6am on Monday, June 3.

There will then be additional overnight closures from Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 7, again from 9pm to 6am.

Drivers are advised to plan for these disruptions by allowing for extra travel time and following the diversion route which will be signposted.

Traffic will be diverted off the M2 via the junction 2 exit slip, to rejoin the M2 via the junction 2 entry slip.

National Highways, the government-owned company tasked with maintaining the country's motorways and major A roads, is overseeing the work.

More information on this and other South East maintenance schemes can be found online at the National Highways website.

Real-time traffic information is also available on their website, via local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs, mobile apps and via their X page @HighwaysSEAST.