Commuters in Kent faced significant disruption this morning after an HGV overturned on the M20 between Junction 8 and 9. The incident occurred on the coastbound stretch between Maidstone and Ashford, where the lorry spilled its cargo and blocked multiple lanes.
Two lanes designated for Operation Brock, used to hold lorries heading to the Port of Dover, were closed as a result of the crash. The incident happened around 4am, and the road remained closed for several hours afterwards.
Traffic quickly built up, with HGVs backed up on nearby routes including the A249 at Stockbury roundabout near M2 Junction 5, as well as the A20, as drivers sought alternative routes to avoid the congestion.
National Highways confirmed that recovery work was underway, with cleanup operations expected to be completed by 9am. However, due to the complexity of the recovery, no definite reopening time has been provided.
Authorities have urged drivers to follow the ‘solid square’ diversion signs to prevent becoming stuck in the ongoing gridlock caused by the lane closures and heavy traffic.
Originally published by UKNIP.
