Operation Brock Kicks Off: Overnight M20 Roadworks Begin in Kent
Brace yourselves, Kent drivers! Overnight roadworks on the M20 are starting this weekend to keep traffic moving smoothly, even if disruptions hit the county. This is part of Operation Brock, a game-changing traffic management plan aimed at easing congestion—especially for lorries heading to mainland Europe.
What Is Operation Brock?
Operation Brock is a package of measures designed to keep Kent’s roads flowing. The key move: holding HGVs bound for Europe on the coastbound carriageway, while a contraflow system keeps other traffic moving. This clever setup is much improved from the old Operation Stack, aiming to slash delays and keep Kent ticking.
The plan also includes support for Manston Airfield and the M26, helping manage traffic around crucial transport hubs.
Roadworks Details: What to Expect
- Steel barrier installation starts this weekend between junctions 9 (Ashford) and 7 (Maidstone).
- Narrow lanes and a 50mph limit will be in place from Tuesday 12 February through mid-March.
- Overnight closures will run to ensure safety, with signed diversions via the A20 for drivers.
- Completions are planned by mid-March.
Highways England urges motorists to plan ahead and allow extra journey time while the work is underway.
Expert Backing: Keeping Kent Moving
“It will make a big difference, reducing congestion on the M20 and the wider Kent road network,” said Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England Chief Executive. “We’ve learned from Operation Stack in 2015 and major national projects to make this system reliable and safer.”
Highways England is teaming up closely with Kent Police, Kent County Council, and the Department for Transport to roll out Operation Brock in phases that can scale up or down depending on demand.
The Big Difference: M20 Stays Open
Unlike past plans, Operation Brock aims to keep the M20 open in both directions except in extreme cases. This means fewer headaches for commuters and freight alike, with traffic disruptions kept to an absolute minimum.
Stay tuned and plan your trips carefully—Kent’s roads are about to get a serious boost!
