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Traffic chaos in Gillingham and Sittingbourne as drivers avoid M2 coastbound closure

13:58, 16 September 2023

updated: 15:00, 17 September 2023

Drivers faced traffic chaos as a result of multiple road closures and roadworks today.

The knock-on effect of the M2 coastbound being shut caused long delays through Gillingham, Rainham and Sittingbourne.

Long queues of Sittingbourne-bound traffic on the A2 in Rainham this morning
Long queues of Sittingbourne-bound traffic on the A2 in Rainham this morning

The motorway is shut for roadworks between Junction 4 A278 Hoath Way (Gillingham) and Junction 5 A249 (Sittingbourne and Stockbury Roundabout).

The work is taking place over the weekend and is set to finish Monday morning.

An official diversion is via the M2 Junction 3, A229 (Blue Bell Hill), M20 and A249 to M2 Junction 5.

As a result, there was congestion to the Detling Showground along the A249 and on the A2 through towns and villages such as Rainham and Newington.

Pictures from this morning show queues of Sittingbourne-bound traffic on the A2 in Rainham.

The coastbound carriageway of the M2 between Junctions 4 for Gillingham and 5 for Sittingbourne is closed
The coastbound carriageway of the M2 between Junctions 4 for Gillingham and 5 for Sittingbourne is closed

Lower Rainham Road is shut from the Three Sisters pub – this is due to roadworks by Openreach.

Diverted traffic was seen queuing along Otterham Quay Lane and on the A2.

There are also reports that Wakeley Road in Rainham was gridlocked.

The A2 London Road in Newington has temporary two-way traffic lights, which added to delays.

Maintenance works, which started yesterday, are being carried out by Southern Water and are set to finish next Thursday (September 21).

Hoath Way in Gillingham at a standstill. Picture: Anne-marie Bush
Hoath Way in Gillingham at a standstill. Picture: Anne-marie Bush

Football fans travelled to Priestfield Stadium this afternoon to watch Gillingham vs Morecambe.

Several residents and motorists expressed their frustration over the delays on Facebook.

Suzanna Marie said: “Cutting through Wakeley Road will not get you there quicker. Gridlocked!!!”

“Cars are turning round in Beechings Way as the queue is enormous back from Bloors Lane traffic lights,” Alan Crowder commented.

Jenny Brown added: “Joyous on a sunny Saturday sat in the car.

Cars backed up along The Street in Bredhurst. Picture: Lorraine Keywood
Cars backed up along The Street in Bredhurst. Picture: Lorraine Keywood

“Got an event to be at or we wouldn't have bothered!

“Currently been 25 minutes and not even halfway there for a 15-minute journey.”

Listen to kmfm for the latest travel updates.

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