M20 traffic: Road reopens after carriageway repairs following major accident

Images from traffic cameras show a large emergency response. Credit: National Highways

  • 0805

The M20 in Kent has fully reopened following emergency resurfacing works after a multi-vehicle collision.

The incident which happened on Thursday evening closed the carriageways in both directions between J4 (West Malling) and J5 (Maidstone).

  • 0530

The M20 in Kent remains closed eastbound between J4 (West Malling) and J5 (Maidstone) due to a serious multi-vehicle collision involving a car and an overturned lorry.

It is so emergency resurfacing work can be carried out after "significant carriageway damage" in the accident.

Specialist crews are also working to clean the carriageway following a fuel spillage from the overturned lorry.

National Highways Traffic Officers remain at the scene to help manage traffic.

  • 1800

The M20 in Kent is closed westbound between J7 (Maidstone) and J4 (West Malling) and eastbound between J4 and J5 due to a serious multi-vehicle collision.

All emergency services including an Air Ambulance are in attendance.

This incident will likely be ongoing for some time, National Highways said.

There are queues of 1 hour and 12 minutes on approach to the closure on the M20 and M26 for those heading to the coast.

Traffic is building on local roads, with TomTom reporting queues of 30 minutes or more on the A20, London Road, in both directions.

Maidstone is also congested whilst drivers try to divert.

Traffic cameras show a large response on the M20. Credit: National Highways

Kent Police tweeted about the incident, saying: "Our patrols are currently at a collision involving a lorry and a car on the eastbound carriage of the M20, between junctions 4 and 5 near Maidstone.

"Both carriageways have been closed to traffic and motorists are advised to consider alternative routes."

Diversion routes have been put in place.

Eastbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol:

  • Exit the M20 at J4 and join the A228 northbound

  • Continue until the M2 J2

  • Join the M2 eastbound and continue until J5

  • Exit the M2 at J5 and join the A249 at Stockbury

  • Continue on the A249 to then re-join the M20 at J7

Westbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol:

  • Exit the M20 westbound at J7 and join the A249 northbound

  • Continue until the M2 J5 at Stockbury

  • Join the M2 westbound and continue until J2

  • Exit and join the A228 northbound

  • Continue on the A228 to then re-join the M20 at J4