The Operation Brock contraflow system on the M20 in Kent will be deactivated this weekend, having been in place on a 13-mile section of the M20 between junctions 8 (for Maidstone) and 9 (at Ashford) over the summer period.
National Highways and Kent Resilience Forum partners introduced it as a contingency measure last month due to the expected high passenger number during this time. But now, Kent Resilience Forum partners have agreed it’s right time to deactivate the contraflow.
The M20 will be closed on the coastbound between junctions 7 and 9 and London bound between junctions 9 and 8 from 8pm on Saturday 19 August to remove the contraflow. Both carriageways will re-open by 6am on (Sunday 20 August).
While the M20 is closed to remove the Operation Brock contraflow, a clearly signed diversion route will be in place on the A20 to help road users reach their destination.
The moveable barrier will remain in place in lane two and three of the London bound carriageway between junction 9 and halfway between junction 8, to allow National Highways to apply the white lining to the align the carriageways to allow the Quick Moveable Barrier to be placed in its final position in the central reserve.
Whilst the barrier is in this position the 50mph London bound speed restriction will remain in place whilst these works are being completed. The Coast bound will revert back to its original speed limit of 70mph with all three lanes running with hard shoulder.
National Highways is investing £20m to move the concrete barrier to its permanent position in the central reservation, which will allow quicker deployment of the Brock contraflow at times of cross channel disruption.
The main barrier work is expected to be fully completed by mid-September.
Christine Allen, National Highways Regional Director, said: “Operation Brock has proved a crucial contingency measure which helps to keep Kent moving in times of cross channel disruption, and we are grateful for people’s patience while the contraflow system has been in place.”
(Picture – National Highways/Kent Resilience Forum)
