The traffic management system is being redeployed ahead of the Easter weekend
The contraflow will be in operation for just under a week.(Image: PA)
The divisive Operation Brock contraflow will be redeployed on the M20 tonight (April 1) in preparation for the Easter weekend. The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) and National Highways announced last week the traffic management system would return in preparation for increased traffic expected to travel through Kent to Europe over the coming days.
It has been confirmed Operation Brock will be in place for just under a week until Tuesday, April 7. On this date, the barriers will be removed overnight and the motorway will once again open as usual on the morning of Wednesday, April 8.
For the contraflow to be installed, the M20 will see an overnight closure between Maidstone and Ashford from 8pm tonight until 6am tomorrow morning (April 2). During this time, the M20 will close London-bound between junction 9, at Ashford, and junction 8, for Maidstone.
Meanwhile, the coastbound carriageway will shut from J7, for Detling, to J9. Drivers have been advised to follow the diversion signs over their SatNav instructions while this closure is in effect.
For London-bound journeys, the diversion will be via the A20, A2, M2 and A229 to re-join the M20 at J6. Coast-bound journeys are to be diverted via the A249, M2, A2 and A20 to re-join the motorway in Ashford.
Once the necessary barriers are in place on Thursday morning, the contraflow system will be in operation, meaning all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow signs to join Operation Brock at J8 of the M20. All other coast-bound traffic will need to follow the signs to crossover into the contraflow on the London-bound carriageway.
National Highways has advised drivers: “If you’re travelling over the holiday period, allow more time for your journey and make sure you’re prepared for delays.” The KMRF said the deployment of Brock aims to minimise the impact of congestion further down the motorway during peak travel periods and reduces the risk of having to close the Roundhill Tunnel near Folkestone.
Drivers are urged to keep up to date on the latest traffic reports, check their full route before setting off and pack the car with essentials including food, water and medication, alongside anything else you or your passengers may need if caught up in traffic. KMRF’s strategic lead for border disruption, Simon Jones, said: “We only deploy Operation Brock when there is clear data showing there will be a higher than usual demand for crossings.
“The whole KMRF team understands the decision to put the Brock barrier in place at busy times is not always popular, and we do not take the decision lightly. The predicted number of crossings during this week fully support its deployment.”
Find further details on all of the roadworks impacting Kent’s busiest roads and motorways this week here.
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