Major upgrades on the M20 have commenced as the Operation Brock barrier is shifted following over two months of a temporary traffic scheme caused by the suspension of P&O ferry services. The controversial barrier, which has been used to manage freight traffic across the Channel via Eurotunnel and Dover, is now being moved permanently.
National Highways is relocating the coastbound contraflow barrier from the hard shoulder to the central reservation between Junction 8 (Maidstone) and Junction 9 (Ashford). This change is essential to restart critical safety work and fully restore the hard shoulder’s width on this heavily used freight corridor.
Simon Jones, Kent Resilience Forum Strategic Lead, said, “KRF partners promised our residents, businesses, and hauliers we would keep the use of Brock under constant review and remove it as soon as it was practical to do so. We can safely deliver on our pledge now that the half-term and Jubilee holidays are over.”
Kent remains a key gateway to Europe, with cross-Channel traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels. Jones added, “We will continue to collaborate and use traffic management, our current best available option, to do everything possible to keep Kent moving, businesses open, and communities safe from the worst effects of disruption. As always, I appreciate everyone’s continued patience.”
The barrier relocation also includes a significant drainage upgrade along this 13-mile stretch of the M20. Drivers should expect the 50mph speed limit on both carriageways to remain until the project is completed early next year.
Nicola Bell, Highways England Regional Director, commented, “Storing the moveable barrier on the London-bound hard shoulder was only a temporary fix. Moving the structure to the central reservation will restore the original width of the hard shoulder between Ashford and Maidstone.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
