Major motorways to shut from today amid crucial bridge works and contraflow system changes
A contraflow system is used to help reduce traffic on the way to the Port of Dover
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
A major motorway will close this weekend to allow a crucial traffic measure to be disbanded for the first time in months, while drivers will also see work taking place on other key routes.
National Highways announced the closure of the M20 Operation Brock contraflow system which has been in place since July 11.
The system, when active, looks to alleviate traffic pressure near the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel and has been used since the summer break began.
However, as Britons get ready to return to school and work, Operation Brock will be deactivated overnight on Sunday, September 1.
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M25 closures to allow construction of a central reservation bridge pier
PAThe contraflow is in effect along a 13-mile section of the M20 between junction 8 (for Maidstone) and junction 9 (at Ashford).
To safely remove the contraflow, the M20 will be closed London-bound from junctions 9 to 8 and coastbound junctions 7 to 9.
The closure will take place overnight from 9pm on Sunday, September 1, until 6am on Monday, September 2, to allow for the safe removal of the barriers.
While the M20 is closed to remove the Operation Brock contraflow, clearly signed diversion routes will be in place on the A20 to help road users reach their destination.
Once removed, National Highways stated that both carriageways will re-open with three lanes and the national speed limit back in place.
The traffic measure is used whenever there is any disruption in the Channel and HGV traffic on the M20 heading for the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel has nowhere to go.
Operation Brock separates traffic into different lanes across both carriageways and keeps the M20 and other local roads open and moving.
The agency said: “It means, once the contraflow is in, if you’re on the M20 but not going to the port or the Eurotunnel, you can continue your journey as normal. At the same time, it helps control how port-bound HGVs make their way to the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel.”
Other traffic updates include the M25 closures taking place later today. The A3 Northbound from the B2215 Ripley to the M25 J10 closing today.
The closures will allow for realignment of the traffic management to help create “safe working zones” for the construction of a central reservation bridge pier.
Due to the closures, a diversion will be in place from the B2214 to the A247. Drivers should take the third exit to the A247 towards Clandon.
At the Clandon crossroads traffic will turn left to the A246 towards Leatherhead and to the Givons Grove roundabout the second exit to the A24 toward the M25 J9.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Closures will take place tonight and over the weekend
GETTYTraffic for the motorway can join the M25 in either direction at this point, but non-motorway traffic will continue along the A243 towards Malon Rushett and Chessington to the A3 Hook roundabout taking the first exit to the A309 Kingston Bypass.
At the Scilly Isles roundabout, drivers should take the first exit to the A307 towards Esher and Cobham. At Cobham, drivers are advised to turn right to the A245 to the A3 Painshill Junction where they can rejoin the A3 North.
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