M2 Junction 2 bridge to close tonight for emergency repairs after fire near Rochester

Motorists are still enduring traffic chaos as repair work continues on a fire-damaged motorway bridge.

There are lengthy delays and miles of queues on and around the M2 London-bound near Rochester^[1], with a total overnight closure due in the coming hours.

The aftermath of the lorry fire on the M2. Picture: National Highways

Two out of three lanes on the Junction 2 bridge are currently shut tonight due to extensive damage to the carriageway caused by a massive lorry fire on Wednesday.

The brutal vehicle blaze sparked explosions and saw the road closed in both directions overnight.^[2]

The London-bound carriageway was shut entirely last night between Junction 3 and Junction 2 to allow for resurfacing works to take place – and the same move is set to be made at 8pm tonight.

The closure is due to end at 6am – but it is not known if all three lanes will reopen.

According to traffic maps, near-stationary traffic has built up almost as far as Blue Bell Hill.

The lorry fire shut the M2 in both directions near Rochester. Picture: Rick Wingate

There are also delays through parts of Strood due traffic attempting to find an alternative route to avoid the M2, with congestion on the A289 stretching back to Maritime Way Roundabout, while Anthonys Way is also queuing from the Medway City Estate.

References

1. ^{^} Rochester (www.kentonline.co.uk)
2. ^{^} saw the road closed in both directions overnight. (www.kentonline.co.uk)