National Highways are warning motorists of potential traffic chaos later this evening as it prepares to roll out huge measures to prepare for Christmas travel havoc.
The M20 will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Sunday, December 15, to allow the Operation Brock contraflow to be deployed.
It comes as part of National Highways’ work to prepare for high passenger numbers towards Kent’s ports during the Christmas and New Year period.
The traffic management system will be installed during an overnight closure tonight, affecting a 13-mile stretch of the motorway.
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The M20 will temporarily be closed to allow for Operation Brock to be deployed
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The measure is designed to improve Kent’s resilience and ensure smooth traffic movement through the region when there are delays at Channel crossings.
The contraflow system will help keep the M20 open in both directions during what is expected to be a busy festive period at the ports.
To implement the overnight closure, the M20 will be closed London-bound between junctions 9 and 8, and coastbound between junctions 7 and 9.
The closure will begin at 8pm on Sunday, December 15, and continue until 6am on Monday, December 16.
Fully signed diversions will be in place throughout the closure period along the stretch of the motorway.
Motorists are being urged to follow the official diversion signs rather than their satellite navigation systems during this time.
The overnight closure timing has been specifically chosen to minimise disruption to road users, including heavy goods vehicle drivers.
Once Operation Brock is active, HGV drivers heading to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow designated routes by law.
All lorries must join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8, following the clearly marked signs. Other vehicles, including local freight traffic and cars travelling to the continent, will need to use the contraflow system.
Non-HGV vehicles should follow signs to cross over onto the London-bound carriageway of the M20 where the contraflow system will operate along a 13-mile section between junction 8 at Maidstone and junction 9 at Ashford.
Sean Martell, head of service delivery for the South East at National Highways, 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.
“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.”
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National Highways is anticipating high levels of traffic on Kent roads over the coming weeks
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Travellers planning to cross the Channel during the Christmas period are advised to use TRIP guidance when planning their journeys.
This includes topping up fuel, oil and screenwash, resting every two hours, inspecting tyres and preparing for adverse weather conditions.
