The Operation Brock contraflow system on the M20 in Kent will be deployed overnight tonight – Tuesday 13 December - ahead of the Christmas period, National Highways confirmed today.
The contraflow arrangement - originally planned to be deployed overnight on Sunday but postponed due to heavy snow in the area - will be in operation when the M20 reopens at 6am on Wednesday morning (14 December).
Operation Brock is part of a series of measures to improve Kent’s resilience and ensure the smooth flow of traffic through the region in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel.
To ensure safe deployment of the contraflow system, the M20 will be closed as follows:
9pm Tuesday 13 December to 6am Wednesday 14 December: London bound M20 between junctions 9-8 and the coastbound M20 between junctions 7-9.
Fully signed diversion routes will be place while the M20 is closed overnight.
When the M20 reopens at 6am on Wednesday 14 December, the Operation Brock contraflow will be in place and all signs and signals should be followed.
Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8.
Any EU-bound HGVs not complying with signage and trying to use another route to Eurotunnel or the Port of Dover risk a fine of £300. They will also be sent to the back of the queue by Police or enforcement agents, wasting time, fuel and money. This includes trying to bypass the M20 by using the M2/A2 at Brenley Corner.
All other coast bound traffic – including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent – should follow the signs and cross over to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway.
Anyone planning to use Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are advised to plan their journeys and check with the travel operator before setting out. They should also allow more time for their journeys and make sure they are prepared for delays, so should have plenty of fuel, warm clothes, and supplies such as food and drink.
Simple vehicle checks can help drivers avoid breakdowns, have a safer journey, and save time and money. More information can be found by visiting: nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/how-to-check-your-vehicle/
As a member of the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF), National Highways is working in partnership with other bodies across Kent to keep the roads moving and minimise disruption to local residents, businesses and communities. The KRF will regularly review if the Operation Brock barrier is still required.
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