M2 bridge repairs on London-bound carriageway at Junction 2 for Strood and Rochester to see motorway reduced to one lane
Work to repair a motorway bridge where a “bounce” was detected is due to be carried out tonight and drivers are warned to expect delays.
The London-bound M2 at Junction 2 for Strood[1] and the A228 has been reduced to two lanes since last Tuesday[2] (September 12), with the exit slip road and the inside lane both shut.
The repairs are due to start tonight (September 22). Picture: Megan Carr
The work, which has been delayed while National Highways waited for a part to be delivered from abroad, is due to begin at 8pm today.
Drivers will only be able to use the outside lane of while it is carried out, as three lanes will be closed.
A spokesman for National Highways said: “The work is expected to start at 8pm tonight and finish at 6am (September 23).
“If the weather conditions prevent us completing the work, there is the potential that a second night of works will be required.
“The closures in place will be the exit slip and lanes one, two and three while the works take place – leaving lane four running past the works.”
Queuing traffic on the London-bound M2 between Junction 3 for Chatham and Junction 2 for Strood. Picture: Stock image
If completed, an exact time of when all lanes will be reopen to drivers is not yet known.
It had hoped repairs to the bridge joint could be made last week, however a wait for specialist parts to arrive from abroad has delayed the completion.
They arrived in the UK on Wednesday (September 23).
National Highways’ decision to shut off the slip road and the inside lane has resulted in daily tailbacks for motorists.
A 50mph temporary speed limit has also been brought in.
The lanes were shut when a “bounce” of about 20mm was detected due to “loose” fixings on the Medway Viaduct.
Drivers have been facing delays on the M2 since last Tuesday (September 12). Picture: Megan Carr
Speaking earlier this week, National Highways operations manager for the south east regional control centre, Mark Hallett, apologised for any inconvenience and stressed that all steps were being taken to carry out the “complex repair” as quickly as possible.
He explained: “These specialist parts are not routinely held in storage by our contractors meaning a delay until the repair can be completed.
“Due to the safety of those using the bridge, it will be necessary to keep the temporary two lane closures and speed restriction in place this week and National Highways appreciates road users’ patience while this issue is resolved.”
References
- ^ Strood (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ last Tuesday (www.kentonline.co.uk)