The M20 motorway will face a significant overnight closure this Sunday, August 17, as the controversial Operation Brock contraflow system is dismantled for good between Maidstone and Ashford.
The 13-mile stretch between Junction 8 (Maidstone) and Junction 9 (Ashford) will be closed from 8pm on Sunday until 6am on Monday, August 18. The London-bound carriageway will be closed from Junction 9 to Junction 8, while the coastbound carriageway will be closed from Junction 7 to Junction 9.
Fully signed diversion routes will be in place to guide drivers, and motorists are advised not to rely solely on sat-nav devices during this period.
Once the contraflow system is removed, both carriageways are expected to reopen with three lanes available and the national speed limit restored.
Operation Brock was introduced by the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum during the summer holidays to manage anticipated port traffic congestion. However, the system drew criticism from residents and Members of Parliament, who described it as a “massive inconvenience” and questioned why it was implemented during every school holiday.
The contraflow was designed to control heavy goods vehicle queues for the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel but came at a high cost. Each setup or dismantling of Operation Brock costs approximately £250,000, with maintenance expenses running at about £100,000 per week.
National Highways has scheduled the overnight closure to minimise disruption to motorists. Meanwhile, the government is exploring a permanent solution involving smart digital traffic management systems and off-road lorry holding sites. However, this plan remains in the early stages of development.
In the meantime, drivers should expect delays and diversions this weekend as Operation Brock is finally removed from the M20 motorway.
Originally published by UKNIP.
