M20 diversion route as motorway expected to be closed 'for a number of hours' after serious crash

The M20 eastbound is closed between Maidstone and Ashford
-Credit:National Highways


Diversion details have been confirmed as a busy stretch of the M20 has been shut following a serious crash. The eastbound carriageway is closed between junction 8 for Maidstone and junction 10 for Ashford.

Officers from Kent Police are at the scene and the route is expected to be closed “for a number of hours”. The westbound carriageway of the M20 had been closed near J9 as well but has since fully re-opened.

It has been confirmed a serious collision has taken place on the motorway, though it is not yet known how many vehicles are involved. National Highways traffic officers are also in attendance and are assisting with traffic management.

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Queuing traffic has built on the approach, stretching back along the eastbound carriageway towards J7. Delays of around 30 minutes have been reported as a result.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “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.”

The latest updates to this ongoing incident will be shared to our live blog here.

M20 diversion route in full

Road users travelling eastbound are advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol on road signs:

  • Exit the M20 at J8 and take the third exit at the roundabout and at the next roundabout take the first exit on to the A20;

  • Remain on the A20 until the junction with Fougeres Way where it will will turn northwards towards J9 of the M20;

  • At Drovers roundabout) take the 2nd exit onto the A292, towards Ashford;

  • Remain on the A292 for approximately 3 miles, passing through Ashford, to the Latcon interchange with the M20/A2070;

  • Take the 3rd exit to the join the A2070, towards Dover (M20);

  • At the next roundabout take the 1st exit, towards Sellindge;

  • Continue to the M20 J10A roundabout and take the 4th exit to re-join the M20 eastbound.