Operation Brock M20 Barrier to be removed
Highways England have announced details of work to remove the steel barrier on the M20 in Kent. Installed last year as part of Operation Brock the M20 is being restored to three full sized lanes.
What is the purpose of the steel barrier
More information on the M20 Operation Brock plan here. The steel barrier is designed to steer traffic into the correct lanes for ports or holding points. The steel barrier is place on a 15 mile section of the M20 between junction 8 and 9. It reflected the potential risk of disruption in a no-deal BREXIT. As this risk has lowered Highways England feel now is the time to restore the M20.
When will the work to reverse Operation Brock be carried out
Work will start on January 14th through to the 28th. Highways England confirm motorway closures through the night. Closing at 8pm until 6am junction 9 – 7 will see disruption with the road closed. Each night 1500 metres of Highway is being restored. Barrier removed, road re-painted and Operation Brock cross-over gaps closed.
For full details of the closures, including diversion routes Highways England have set up a web-page detailing the closures and lane restrcitions.
Why have Highways England determined now to make the changes
Highways England have planned and trialled Operation Brock during 2019 to allow for a no-deal BREXIT. During 2019 as BREXIT never happened the plan always remained inactive. With Boris Johnson’s deal the likelyhood for disruption has passed.
Why Operation Brock is necessary
The M20 forms a key part of the strategic road network around ports in the South-West of the UK. Originally for the M20 we had operation Stack. This handled disruption at ports due to weather. In March 2019 the Government developed Operation Brock in anticipation of BREXIT disruption.
In summer 2015 Operation Stack operated for 32 days. This led to wide-scale inconvenience to Kent’s communities, businesses and visitors.
