Emergency teams responded swiftly after a fire broke out on the M2 motorway in Kent. Although the fire has now been extinguished, a significant oil spill on the westbound carriageway between Junction 3 and Junction 2 has forced the closure of this section of the road.
The oil spill has created hazardous driving conditions, prompting authorities to keep the carriageway shut while crews carry out a thorough cleanup operation. Motorists are facing severe delays as the cleanup process is expected to take several hours.
National Highways Traffic Officers are actively managing the situation, directing traffic and assisting drivers caught in the resulting congestion. The officers are advising all road users to follow designated diversion routes to avoid the affected stretch of the M2.
Drivers are urged to follow the solid square diversion signs and take the following route: leave the M2 westbound at Junction 3, head south on the A229 towards Maidstone, continue along the A229 to M20 Junction 6, then join the M20 westbound. Exit at M20 Junction 4, take the third exit at the roundabout onto the A228 northbound, and follow the A228 back to M2 Junction 2 to rejoin the M2 westbound and continue their journey.
Commuters planning to travel westbound on the M2 are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, consider alternative routes, or delay travel until the road reopens to avoid being caught in the extensive delays.
Originally published by UKNIP.
