Operation Brock barrier to be deployed ahead of Easter

The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has confirmed Operation Brock will be deployed ahead of Easter in anticipation of high passenger numbers heading through Kent to Europe.

A contraflow system will be in place on the M20, coastbound, between Junctions 8 & 9 with a reduced speed limit to allow a dedicated lane to be created for HGVs to queue, if needed.

Work to install the barrier will take place on Wednesday 1^st April, and the M20 will reopen on Thursday 2^nd April. The barrier is planned to be removed overnight on Tuesday 7^th April, with the motorway reopening as normal on Wednesday 8^th April.

Acting as a pressure valve to minimise the impact of congestion further down the motorway, Operation Brock allows traffic to use the M20 in both directions through a contraflow system. It also reduces the risk of having to close the Roundhill Tunnel near Folkestone, which can cause disruption on local roads and impact local communities.

KMRF Strategic Lead for Border Disruption, Simon Jones, said: “We only deploy Operation Brock when there is clear data showing there will be a higher than usual demand for crossings.

“The whole KMRF team understand the decision to put the Brock barrier in place at busy times is not always popular, and we do not take the decision lightly. The predicted number of crossings during this week fully support its deployment.”

Meanwhile, should traffic start to build, the KMRF is advising drivers to check their route before setting off, allow extra time for the journey and pack the car with essentials including food, water, medication, and anything else you or your passengers may need if caught up in traffic.

ENDS

Further information

·         A good place to start is KCC’s Check Before You Travel page

·         National Highways travel updates can be found here

·         Weather forecasts, warnings and information from the Met Office can be found here