M20 Great Stour River bridge repairs

Latest updates

• 15 December 2023

  Work coming to an end

  Our work is almost complete, and we’re planning to reopen the foot and cycle path that runs alongside the river under the M20 by Friday 22 December.

  We'll then return in the new year, when the weather is more favourable, to carry out some landscaping work where our compound was set up. 

  Bridge repairs being carried out under the M20

  We’re carrying our essential repairs and maintenance to the Great Stour River bridge.

  This work is being carried out from underneath the bridge and, for everyone’s safety, the foot and cycle path is temporarily closed.

  As we’ve not found the secret of how to walk on water yet, we’ve set up a special pontoon over the river to work from. 

  Covering an area of roughly 550m2 (that’s around the same as two tennis courts), the pontoon allows the team to get under the bridge and makes repairs while the motorway continues to flow above.

  

  Foot and cycle path diversion route

  An alternative route is available via Heathfield Road, Canterbury Road and Kinneys Lane. We estimate this will add approximately seven minutes to your journey time, if travelling by foot.

  Please note that these works are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

• 10 May 2023

  Upcoming overnight closures - Monday 5 to Thursday 8 June

  We’ll soon be returning to the M20 to continue with our work on the bridge that carries the M20 over the River Great Stour.

  The M20 coastbound will be closed between junctions 9 and 10a overnight from 8pm until 6am the following morning starting on Monday 5 June, and finishing on the morning of Friday 9 June.

  A signed diversion will be in place in both directions from the M20 junction 6 via the A229, M2, A2 and A20. This is the best alternative route for all types of vehicles.

  We'll maintain local access from junctions 7 to 10a, but you won't be able to drive through the closed stretch of road.

• 24 April 2023

  Work has started on the River Great Stour bridge

  Upcoming closures Coastbound junctions 9 to 10a will be closed: weeknights this week (8pm to 6am) 8pm Sunday 30 April to 6am Monday 1 May 2023 London bound junctions 10a to 9 will be closed: 8pm Friday 28 April to 6am Monday 1 May 2023 weeknights next week (Tuesday to Thursday only) – each night from 8pm to 6am

   

  We’ve now started our repair and maintenance work on Great River Stour bridge. Last weekend saw us working on the coastbound carriageway between junctions 9 and 10a. 

  

  You'll find more information on our upcoming closures and diversion routes in the project information section below.

  Did you know? The first bridge that carried the M20 over the River Great Stour was built in the 1950s and comprised of two separate bridges – one for each direction. When the M20 was widened in the 1980s, the bridge was upgraded to form one structure spanning both carriageways and measuring 34.8 metre wide – around the same as two double-decker buses bumper to bumper. 

• 21 April 2023

  Work starts in April 2023

  Upcoming closures Coastbound junctions 9 to 10a will be closed: 8pm Friday 21 to 6am Monday 24 April weeknights next week (8pm to 6am) London bound junctions 10a to 9 will be closed: 11pm Friday 21 to 6am Saturday 22 April 8pm Sunday 23 to 6am Monday 24 April

   

  We’ll soon start repair and maintenance work on Great River Stour bridge.

  We’ll be working at weekends and overnight when there is less traffic.

  To help us work quickly and safely, we’ll have closures of the M20 between junction 9 and 10a.

  Closures will start on the evening of Friday 21 April 2023 and finish on the morning of Friday 5 May 2023.

  You'll find more information on closures and diversion routes in the project information section below.