Part of the A2 and M2 have reopened between Rochester and Gravesend following a serious crash involving one vehicle.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to the coastbound carriageway of the A2 after a car crashed into two lamppost columns in the early hours of this morning.

The A2 coast-bound was closed between Gravesend and junction 1 of the M2 for Strood while the M2 was shut London-bound at Strood, causing long delays for drivers.

As of 12.15pm, the A2 was reopened in both directions between junction 1 and the junction for the A227 Wrotham Road.

One lane will remain closed on the coastbound carriageway to allow for barrier repair works.

A specialist structural engineer is at the scene to assess damage to the lampposts and the central reservation barrier and bridge supports that were also struck in the collision.

Earlier a police spokesperson said: “Officers are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the eastbound carriageway of the M2, between junctions 1 and 2.

“Patrols, along with South East Coast Ambulance Service, were called to the incident involving one car at 2.35am on Thursday 26 September 2024.

“The coastbound carriageway will remain closed into the morning and motorists are advised to consider alternative routes.”

National Highways said traffic caught within the closure on the coastbound carriageway was turned and released via the rear of the queue, whereas traffic caught within the London-bound closure was released slowly past the scene.

In a tweet at 7.19am, National Highways said: “The A2 remains closed both ways between #M2 J1 #Rochester & #A227 #Gravesend with @KentPoliceRoads still working at scene Delays of 60 minutes #M2 #London bound.”

Traffic is queueing on the M2 and drivers are being urged to follow the diversion signs, with routes through Gravesend expected to be busy.

Anyone whose journey is likely to be impacted by the closure is being told to leave extra time.

The advice is to plan ahead, re-route or even delay your travel plans.

Follow our live blog for details of delays, and listen to kmfm for regular travel updates.

Delays in the area are now starting to clear.