M20 to close tonight between Ashford and Maidstone for Operation Brock
Drivers are reminded that part of the M20 will be closed tonight while National Highways puts out the bollards in preparation for Operation Brock. The motorway will be shut London-bound between Junctions 9 for Ashford[1] and 8 for Maidstone[2] and coastbound between Junctions 7 for Eclipse Park, Maidstone, and Junction 9, from 8pm till 6am tomorrow.
Operation Brock is being deployed tonight ahead of the Easter holidays
This is to allow the contraflow system to be deployed ahead of the Easter weekend.[3] Operation Brock is part of a series of measures to improve Kent’s resilience in the event of disruption to ferry services across the English Channel.
Fully signed diversion routes will be in place.
When the M20 reopens on Wednesday, the Brock contraflow will be in place and all signs should be followed. For more information visit here.[4]
The traffic management system is deployed on the M20.
Picture: Barry Goodwin
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.
The “routine” deployment of Operation Brock has been criticised by Helen Whately MP who said: “Blocking up Kent’s roads every school holiday isn’t fair on residents or businesses.”