Motorway to be closed overnight on Sunday

Fleets are being advised that the M20 will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Sunday (December 15) to allow the Operation Brock contraflow to be deployed.

The contraflow system is being deployed on a 13-mile section of the M20 between junctions 8 Maidstone and 9 Ashford, ahead of the festive period, due to expected high passenger numbers at the Kent ports. 

Operation Brock is part of a series of measures to improve Kent’s resilience and ensure the smooth flow of traffic through the region in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel. 

To safely deploy the contraflow, the M20 will be closed – London bound from junction 9 to 8 and coastbound junction 7 to 9 – overnight from 8pm on Sunday (December 15) to 6am on Monday (December 16). 

Fully signed diversion routes will be in place while the M20 is closed overnight. 

National Highways says that the times have been chosen to minimise disruption to road users and ensure the roads are suitable for the traffic.

When the M20 reopens on Monday, the Brock contraflow will be active and all signs should be followed. 

Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8.

All other coast bound traffic – including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent – should follow the signs and crossover to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway. 

Sean Martell, National Highways, head of service delivery for the south-east, said: “Our job is to keep the country moving and Operation Brock helps us to do that during particularly busy periods at the ports in Kent.

“If you’re heading to the continent this Christmas our advice is please use our ‘TRIP’ guidance to help plan your journey, check with your travel operator before setting off, and allow yourself some extra time to reach your destination.

“We work hard to try and avoid disruption and delays, but these things can happen so always remember to carry essential supplies such as food and water and make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel for your winter travels.”