The Medway Tunnel has reopened in both directions after a systems failure forced it to close for emergency repairs – sparking traffic “chaos” across the Towns.

Drivers had faced gridlocked for two days since the route, which links Chatham and Strood, was closed at 6am yesterday.

This morning, Medway Council warned the tunnel would remain closed today, but it was reopened this afternoon after specialist engineers worked all night and throughout today to make repairs.

A spokesman said this morning: “We have had a technical systems failure which has resulted in a loss of critical functions that maintain safety within the tunnel.

“The systems that detect incidents, CCTV coverage, and other functions such as ventilation fans, lighting and pumps are all affected.

“Without this we cannot operate the tunnel safely and have been left with no option but to close it for the time being.”

The closure of the tunnel left roads “gridlocked” yesterday, particularly as the alternative route required drivers to divert through Rochester.

It also caused short journeys to take hours, and disrupted bus services and bin collections.

Traffic earlier today was similarly chaotic, with one woman who works on Rochester High Street telling KentOnline: “Rochester has had loads of traffic and it’s been really hard to get to work on time with the traffic and buses being pushed back. It made it hard to get here.”

Luton and Wayfield councillor Tristan Osborne expressed concern about the impact of the closure, saying: “Businesses at the moment are focused on Christmas trade. This issue is going to impact our shopping habits. There will be a reduction of people travelling into the town centre because people will avoid it.

“Either, because they travelled through it yesterday and they’ll know it’s going to take an hour to get across the bridge, they will just wait for a different time, or more likely they’re just going to go to another town centre.

“This is the busiest day of the year for retail in Chatham High Street and the Dockside. These are all areas which need revenue because of a difficult year, with the cost of living crisis.”

Scheduled maintenance work has also seen the tunnel shut overnight, most recently on December 9.

A council spokesman said this afternoon: “We are pleased to confirm that the Medway Tunnel has just reopened.

“Thanks to everyone for your patience and apologies again for the inconvenience.”