Motorists are facing lengthy delays after a police incident forced the closure of the M2 eastbound in Kent during the Thursday evening rush hour. The motorway remains closed between Junction 2 (A228 Sundridge Hill, Strood/Rochester) and Junction 3 (Chatham/Rochester), with congestion stretching for several miles. Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports that queues have backed up to Junction 1 (Strood), with the closure also causing heavy delays on the A2 Watling Street and surrounding roads as drivers seek alternative routes. National Highways said there is currently no estimated time for the motorway to reopen, with around 30-minute delays on the approach to the closure and congestion continuing to build.
Diversion in place
Motorists travelling eastbound are being diverted via:
- Exit the M2 at Junction 1 and join the A289 eastbound.
- Continue along the A289 through Four Elms, the Medway Tunnel, Lower Gillingham, Yokosuka Way and Ito Way.
- Join the A2 eastbound before taking the A278 southbound, which returns traffic to the M2 at Junction 4.
The closure is also affecting local transport, with Nu-Venture confirming that some of its bus services are unable to serve Cuxton, Strood and Rochester due to the incident. Emergency services remain at the scene, although the nature of the police incident has not yet been confirmed. National Highways’ latest update said there had been no change at the scene, with the eastbound carriageway remaining closed while officers continue their work. Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible, allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion route. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
