Operation Brock contraflow to be deployed from Thursday 3 April in preparation for the Easter holiday period
Drivers are advised the M20 will be closed between Maidstone and Ashford overnight on Wednesday 2 April from 10pm to allow the Operation Brock contraflow to be deployed.
The contraflow system is being deployed on a 13-mile section of the M20 between junctions 8 Maidstone and 9 Ashford, ahead of the Easter period, due to expected high passenger numbers at the Kent ports.
Sean Martell, National Highways, Head of Service Delivery for the South East, said:
“Our job is to keep the country moving and Operation Brock helps us to do that during particularly busy periods at the ports in Kent.
“If you’re heading to the continent this Easter our advice is please use our TRIP guidance to help plan your journey, check with your travel operator before setting off, and allow yourself some extra time to reach your destination.
“We work hard to try and avoid disruption and delays, but these things can happen so always remember to carry essential supplies such as food and water and make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel for your winter travels.”
Operation Brock is part of a series of measures to improve Kent’s resilience and ensure the smooth flow of traffic through the region in the event of disruption to services across the English Channel.
To safely deploy the contraflow, the M20 will be closed – London bound from junction 9 to 8 and coastbound junction 7 to 9 – overnight from 10pm on Wednesday 2 April to 6am on Thursday 3 April 2025.
Fully signed diversion routes will be in place while the M20 is closed overnight. These times have been chosen to minimise disruption to road users and ensure the roads are suitable for the traffic.
Drivers are advised to follow the diversion signs over their SatNav instructions.
When the M20 reopens, the Brock contraflow will be active and all signs should be followed. Once the barrier is in place, all HGVs heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at M20 junction 8.
All other coast bound traffic – including local freight and car drivers heading for the continent – should follow the signs and crossover to enter the contraflow on the M20 London bound carriageway.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiriesOption 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
