National Highways has reported that the M20 in Kent is closed westbound between J9 (Ashford) and J8 (Maidstone) following a serious multi-vehicle collision shortly before 08:35 this morning involving 3 HGVs and a car.
Kent Police arrived quickly to scene followed shortly by National Highways Traffic Officers and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Once on scene National Highways Traffic Officers safely brought traffic on the eastbound carriageway to a stop to allow the Air Ambulance to land at the scene. The Air Ambulance left scene at 09:55 but eastbound traffic wasn’t released until 10:20 as emergency services continued to work at the scene of the collision.
All traffic caught within the closure was released by 12:10 with light vehicles caught within the closure being released via a service gate at Charing which is prior to the incident. Larger vehicles were turned and released via the rear of the queue.
Kent Police concluded their collision investigations at around 16:45 and the National Highways area team crews are on the scene to assess the diesel spillage and deal with any required emergency works.
Although no estimated time for re-opening can be provided at this time, the road is expected to remain closed into and past this evening’s peak traffic period. Traffic leaving the Port of Dover is advised to use the A2/M2 for London.
Diversion Route
Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Square diversion symbol, which has a height limit of 4.7M:
- Leave the M20 at J9 take the 1st exit towards Ashford/Canterbury
- At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A20
- Follow the A20 for approximately 14 miles, passing through Charing, Lenham and Harrietsham to re-join the M20 westbound at J8.
If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey. Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed. National Highways 24/7 contact centre team is available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.