Next week the moveable barrier that will help keep traffic moving in Kent when there’s cross-Channel disruption is being tested.
The test will start on Friday 11 December. It means parts of the motorway between Maidstone and Ashford will be closed for four nights, with signed diversions in place.
The barrier will be used to create a new layout on the M20. By creating a contraflow system on the London bound carriage way, this allows traffic to travel in both directions of the motorway at the same time as port bound lorries are held when required on the coastbound carriageway.
The barrier is part of Operation Brock, a series of measures that will keep the M20 open in both directions during periods of cross-Channel disruption. During the test the barrier and other traffic management will be installed and then removed.
To make sure the barrier is deployed and removed safely, the M20 will be closed between junction 7 (for Maidstone) and junction 9 (Ashford) overnight (8pm to 8am) on Friday 11, Saturday 12, Sunday 13, and Monday 14 December. The motorway will return to normal by 8am on Tuesday 15 December. Whenever the M20 is closed, clearly signed diversions will be in place.
At the end of the test the barrier will be returned to the London-bound hard shoulder.
Parts of the M20 will also be closed on weeknights before the test to put out traffic management. You can find out more about these closures, as well as the test, road layouts, road closures and diversion routes on: https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-east/m20-junction-8-to-9-moveable- barrier/
This work has been planned with Kent Resilience Forum partners, including Kent Police and Kent County Council