A2 in Kent Shut Both Ways After Single-Car Smash
The A2 in Kent is completely closed in both directions between the M2 Junction 1 (Rochester) and the A227 (Gravesend) following a single-vehicle collision. A car crashed into two lampposts, damaging the streetlights and the central reservation barriers.
Emergency Services Swarm the Scene
Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and National Highways Traffic Officers rushed to the scene. A National Highways team is assessing the damage, while a specialist structural engineer checks the nearby bridge supports, which were also struck in the crash.
Traffic caught northbound is being turned around at the back of the queue, while westbound vehicles are being released slowly past the collision site.
Official Diversion Routes Laid Out
Coastbound Drivers:
- Follow the ‘Solid Circle’ diversion signs.
- Exit at Marling Cross junction for Gravesend (E).
- At the roundabout, take 2nd exit, then 1st exit onto Valley Drive.
- Continue for 2 miles to traffic-light T-junction.
- Turn right onto B261 Old Road East.
- At the A226 roundabout, take 4th exit towards Rochester.
- Continue 3.5 miles to A289/Gads Hill Interchange.
- Non-motorway traffic stays on A226; motorway traffic can join M2 here.
London-Bound Traffic:
- Follow ‘Solid Square’ diversion signs.
- Exit M2 westbound at Junction 1 onto A289.
- At Gads Hill Interchange, take 1st exit onto A226 towards Gravesend/Higham.
- Continue 3.5 miles to B261 Old Road East roundabout.
- Take 1st exit onto B261 towards Northfleet/Dartford.
- Turn left onto Valley Drive, follow for 2 miles to rejoin A2 at Marling Cross.
Police Urge Motorists to Find Alternative Routes
“Our officers are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the eastbound carriageway of the #M2 between junctions 1 and 2. The coastbound carriageway will remain closed into the morning and motorists are advised to consider alternative routes,” said a Kent Police spokesperson.
Stay tuned for updates as emergency teams work to clear the wreckage and repair road and bridge damage.
