M20 Contraflow Set for Removal Ahead of Easter Getaway
Good news for Kent commuters! Highways England has confirmed the removal of the M20 contraflow, installed as part of Operation Brock to tackle disruption from cross-Channel delays. Work kicks off tonight and aims to clear the London-bound carriageway in time for the busy Easter weekend.
Why the Contraflow Is Being Taken Down
The decision comes as the threat of disruption at the Channel crossings eases. The Kent Resilience Forum has given the thumbs up to deactivating the system. Duncan Smith, Highways England’s special operations director, said:
“Operation Brock provides Kent residents and travellers with flexible ways to cope during Channel service disruptions. Installing the contraflow was a smart move given the risks – but scaling it back now is sensible, restoring motorway capacity just in time for Easter. We thank drivers and locals for their patience and safe driving.”
How the M20 Will Look After Deactivation
- The steel barrier between junctions 8 and 9 will stay put, ready to be reactivated if needed.
- Coastbound will run three lanes at the national speed limit.
- London-bound will have two lanes capped at 50mph.
Overnight closures begin tonight to safely remove the contraflow setup. London-bound closures between junctions 10 and 7 will divert traffic via the A20. Coastbound closures between junctions 7 and 9 will divert through the A249 and M2. Only one carriageway closes at a time, with the first closure happening tonight from 8pm to 6am.
Drivers should check traffic conditions before travelling and allow extra time for journeys on closure nights.
Operation Brock: A Smarter Solution
Operation Brock replaces the outdated Operation Stack, keeping both directions of the M20 open whenever possible. The scheme includes measures across Kent, involving the M20 contraflow, Manston Airfield, and the M26.
Highways England has partnered closely with Kent Police, Kent County Council, and the Department for Transport to flexibly scale Operation Brock based on demand, improving resilience against future cross-Channel chaos.
