m20
Highways England plans to partially close the M20 in Kent for barriers installation in preparation of Brexit-delay. Credit: Danno UK.

Highways England is set to install steel barriers on the M20 in Kent to keep traffic flowing on the motorway if there is any disruption caused by a no-deal Brexit.

Under the Operation Brock, the agency will start overnight work that will lead to closure of the road for more than a month before 29 March.

The arrangement will enable heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling to mainland Europe to be held on the coast-bound carriageway.

In addition, a section of the M20 will be used as a contraflow system on one side of the carriageway to minimise the disruption for other people living, working and travelling in Kent.

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “The steps we are putting in place on the M20 are based on our extensive experience of working with partners to keep the road network in this region operating safely and reliably.

“They will make a significant difference to reducing the congestion and disruption to both the M20 itself and the wider road network and people of Kent.”

“They incorporate the lessons learned from our experience of Operation Stack in 2015 and techniques from our major construction schemes in other parts of the country. They will make a significant difference to reducing the congestion and disruption to both the M20 itself and the wider road network and people of Kent.”

Installation of steel roads on the M20 for Operation Brock has already started and is slated for completion by mid-March.

The road will be closed overnight in between junctions 9 (Ashford) and 7 (Maidstone) to ensure the safety of road workers and travellers.

As part of the safety measure, a 50mph speed limit will be imposed on the road. Diversions will also be placed on the A20 to inform commuters about any expected delays.

In order to complete Operation Brock, Highways England is collaborating with police, Kent County Council and the Department for Transport.