M2 diversion details announced as motorway closed by crash near Medway

A key section of the M2 near Medway has been closed this afternoon (January 8) following a multi-vehicle crash. Emergency services are currently at the scene on the London-bound carriageway which has been shut between junction 3 for Strood and junction 2 for Chatham and Rochester.[1][2][3][4]

Drivers have been urged to ‘expect delays’ as congestion builds on approach. Traffic monitoring service Inrix has reported that the crash was caused in part by the heavy snow that Kent has seen today.

Earlier this morning, the Met Office announced a new yellow weather warning for ice[5] as temperatures are forecast to plummet and the county could see more wintry showers. A spokesperson for National Highways has said: “The M2 in Kent is closed westbound between J3 (Chatham) and J2 (Rochester) due to a multi-vehicle collision.

“Emergency services including Kent Police are in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also on scene to assist with traffic management.”

It is not yet known if there have been any injuries following this incident and KentLive has approached the relevant emergency services for further details. National Highways has now confirmed the diversion route that road-users will need to follow while the stretch of motorway remains shut, with traffic able to leave at Junction 3.

Motorists are urged to allow extra time for travel if the closure impacts their planned journey Some may wish to re-route or even delay their travel.

Diversion route

Road-users are instructed to follow the solid square diversion symbol on road signs:

  • Leave the M2 westbound at J3 and take the 1st exit at both the two roundabouts to join the A229 heading south towards Maidstone.

  • Follow the A229 to the M20 J6 and take the 3rd exit at the roundabout to join the M20 westbound.

  • Continue on the M20 westbound to J4 and leave the M20. Take the 3rd exit onto the A228 heading north.

  • Follow the A228 back to the M2 J2 and rejoin the M2 westbound to continue your journey.

Never get stuck in a jam again with our FREE traffic and travel email for KentLive readers. Find out more here.[8]

References

  1. ^ Medway (www.kentlive.news)
  2. ^ a multi-vehicle crash. (www.kentlive.news)
  3. ^ Chatham (www.kentlive.news)
  4. ^ Rochester. (www.kentlive.news)
  5. ^ a new yellow weather warning for ice (www.kentlive.news)
  6. ^ Long delays as A2 closed after lorry fire - live updates (www.kentlive.news)
  7. ^ Driver hospitalised following 'road rage attack' (www.kentlive.news)
  8. ^ Find out more here. (www.kentlive.news)

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