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Major incident declared on M20 over bank holiday weekend

The M20 in Kent was closed in both directions for almost 24 hours between Junctions 3 and 4 at West Malling near Maidstone due to a serious incident. A lorry carrying a digger struck a footbridge over the motorway in the Londonbound direction.

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M20 re-opens with 50mph speed limit following bridge collapse

The M20 in Kent has reopened to traffic after a crash in Kent where a lorry struck a footbridge crossing the motorway.

Two lanes on the coastbound M20 were reopened at around 4.25pm this afternoon. All lanes on the Londonbound carriageway reopened just after 5.20pm.

A precautionary 50mph limit is in place in both directions past the bridge.

A digger being transported by a lorry hit the pedestrian footbridge, resulting in the structure collapsing and the motorway being closed in both directions between junctions 1 and 4.

“Safety is our top priority. While we concentrated on reopening the road as soon as possible to help drivers, it was imperative this was done safely. We are now making the final preparations to be able lift the remaining closures safely. “The 50mph speed limit is being introduced while until work to remove the rest of the footbridge is complete. We urge drivers to respect the limit for their safety and that of other road users, and thank them for their patience as we carried out this essential work.”

– Catherine Brookes, Highways England’s Chief Highway Engineer

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