THE M2 has partially reopened between junctions 5 and 6 as the Highways Agency gets to grips with a 50ft sinkhole.

The massive crater opened up in the central reservation on Tuesday closing an entire stretch of the motorway between Faversham and Sittingbourne and causing chaos for north Kent-bound drivers and those leaving London on the A2.

Just after 6am this morning two lanes were opened to traffic on the Londonbound side and one lane on the coastbound carriageway to ease rush hour congestion.

The hard shoulder is being used to help drivers pass the hole which is no longer visible but at one stage measured five metres by two metres and 15 metres deep.

There are expected to be delays on the coastbound carriageway so road users are advised to consider using alternate routes, including the M20 for traffic heading to Dover.

Drivers are advised to plan ahead, check conditions before they set out and leave extra time for their journeys.