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National Highways have announced the Operation Brock contraflow system on the M20 in Kent is to be removed this weekend, allowing for the reopening of the motorway in time for the Christmas break.
National Highways and the Kent Resilience Forum confirmed the decision on 19th December, explaining the contraflow was implemented on a 13-mile stretch of the M20 between junctions 8 and 9 on December 16th as a precautionary measure to manage traffic flow during periods of high passenger numbers or disruptions at the Channel crossings.
To facilitate the removal of the contraflow, the M20 will be closed overnight on Sunday, December 22nd, from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Monday, December 23rd. London-bound traffic will be affected between junctions 9 and 8, while coastbound traffic will be diverted between junctions 7 and 9.
Clearly marked diversion routes will be in place, and drivers are urged to follow these signs instead of relying on GPS navigation. Once the contraflow is removed, both carriageways will reopen with three lanes and the national speed limit reinstated.
Sean Martell, National Highways’ Head of Service Delivery for the South East, expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding during the Operation Brock period. He emphasized the importance of maintaining traffic flow while acknowledging the impact on local residents. With the removal of Operation Brock, the M20 is expected to operate normally by 6:00 AM on Monday morning.