Work to install a moveable concrete barrier on the M20 is set to finish this week as the government prepares to reinstate Operation Brock.

Highways England has been closing the London-bound stretch overnight between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Maidstone since September.

It has now installed almost all of the barrier on the hard shoulder, which will be shifted across into the middle of the carriageway by a 'zipper machine' when the Brock contraflow is needed in January.

When active, the £55m system sees one side of the motorway used by HGVs heading to cross-Channel ports, with all other traffic restricted to a 50mph contraflow on the opposite carriageway.

Designed to limit disruption on Kent's roads if there are problems at the Channel ports once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31, Brock is an alternative to Operation Stack, which closed sections of the M20 completely.

Although the finishing touches are being added to the barrier this week, Highways England is still working on the central reservation to install two new crossover points, which are required to activate the contraflow.

Work on the gate close to Junction 9 started on Sunday, October 25 and is due to finish on Saturday, November 14.

Contractors will then start fitting the second gate close to Junction 8, with work due to finish on Monday, November 30.

The installation is taking place behind a temporary steel barrier on both sides of the M20, limiting the carriageway to just two narrow lanes.

In a statement, Highways England thanked drivers for their "understanding, patience and support during these essential works".

It added: "The moveable barrier system will allow port-bound lorries to be held on the motorway while all other traffic continues to have access to the motorway in both directions.

"Unlike the previous solution implemented in 2019, this new moveable barrier system allows the M20 to be returned to normal conditions at 70mph when not required within several hours instead of weeks.

"We are working hard to make this solution ready for December."

Further overnight closures of the M20 between Junctions 8 and 9 will be needed until the end of November to allow contractors to finish the work.

Visit www.highwaysengland.co.uk for details.

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