MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays on two north Kent roads which see an estimated 190,000 cars between them each day.

The Highways Agency is warning people to expect a 20-minute delay to their usual journey when work kicks off today on £120m improvements to the A2 and junction two of the M25/A282.

Road-users will have to contend with narrowed lanes and a 50mph speed limit on the already-congested roads.

Slip road closures will take place this weekend through the night, while further overnight lane closures are planned.

The A2 carries more than 100,000 vehicles a day between junction two and Bean junction.

This stretch of road will be widened to four lanes in each direction.

Link roads will be created between the A282 and the A2 eastbound.

An extra lane will connect motorists on the A2 westbound with the M25.

A flyover will be built over these roads and two new viaducts will be constructed to support the widened A2.

A low-noise road surfacing will be used to reduce noise pollution.

Work, due to be completed in Spring 2008, was deliberately scheduled for after the bank holiday by transport chiefs.

A Highways Agency spokesman said the Government body received remarks about the work being planned the same week children return to school.

He said: "We are anxious to get the work done for everyone's benefit so we have got to push ahead now.

"Drivers should allow an extra 20 minutes to their journey, particularly at peak times."

Highways Agency project leader John Martin said: "Advance work and site clearance has been carried out over the past few months to take advantage of the good weather in preparation for construction work starting this month.

"These improvements will add much needed extra lane space on these two busy routes."