National Highways is closing the M20 between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Sunday 15 December to allow the Operation Brock contraflow to be deployed.
The scheme will be brought in from Monday 16 December on a 13-mile section of the M20 between junctions 8 Maidstone and 9 Ashford for the festive period, due to expected high passenger numbers at the Kent ports.
Ahead of this, the M20 will close – London bound from junction 9 to 8 and coastbound junction 7 to 9 – overnight from 8pm on Sunday 15 December to 6am on Monday 16 December.
Fully signed diversion routes will be in place while the M20 is closed overnight and drivers are advised to follow the official diversion signs rather than sat-nav instructions.
The Brock contraflow will be active when the M20 reopens on Monday 16 December 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 coastbound 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.”
