Overnight closure of the M20 between Ashford and Maidstone

The contraflow system is being deployed on a 13-mile section of the M20 between junctions 8 Maidstone and 9 Ashford, ahead of the summer holidays, due to expected high passenger numbers at the Kent ports.

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 8pm on Wednesday 16 July to 6am on Thursday 17 July 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.

The acronym TRIP is an easy way for drivers to remember the four simple steps to take to prepare for their journeys:

• Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
• Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
• Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
• Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions

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 enquiries
Option 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)