M20 Contraflow System Comes to an End This Weekend
National Highways and the Kent Resilience Forum have confirmed the removal of the contraflow system on the M20. The 13-mile stretch between Junctions 8 (Maidstone) and 9 (Ashford) had the contraflow in place throughout Christmas as part of Operation Brock – the government’s go-to plan for cross-Channel chaos.
When and How the M20 Will Return to Normal
- Contraflow removal starts Friday night at 8pm.
- By 6am Saturday, two lanes are open coastbound between Junctions 7 and 9 and London-bound between Junctions 9 and 8.
- The moveable barrier will shift to the coastbound hard shoulder during this work.
- Overnight closure on London-bound M20 from 8pm Saturday to 6am Sunday for barrier relocation to lane 1 between Junctions 8 and 9.
The barrier will stay in place until spring to protect workers carrying out verge repairs, meaning a 50mph speed limit remains in the area.
Operation Brock: Keeping Kent Moving When Cross-Channel Traffic Hits the Fan
“Operation Brock is a critical contingency measure that helps to keep Kent moving in times of cross-Channel disruption,” said Christine Allen, interim regional director for National Highways. “We appreciate everyone’s patience while the contraflow system was in place. We’ll remove it this weekend, but the barrier will remain until spring for worker safety.”
Important Diversions to Know This Weekend
Road users should note the following diversion routes on the A20:
- Coastbound traffic: Exit M20 at Junction 7, head north on A249 to M2 Junction 5, then M2 and A2 to Dover.
- Eurotunnel access: Take A20 westbound to M20 Junction 13 (Folkestone), then exit at Junction 11 (Hythe).
- London-bound traffic: Follow fully signed diversion along the A20.
- Over-height vehicles: Divert via A2, M2, and A249.
