End of the road in sight as work begins to remove M20 contraflow

Work has finally begun to remove the much-loathed barrier on the M20, signalling the beginning of the end for the dreaded £30 million contraflow.

Eleven long months have passed since the hated steelwork and frustrating 50mph restriction was first introduced between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Leeds Castle.

The barrier, which is 15 miles long and is bolted to the carriageway, was installed as part of the Operation Brock no-deal Brexit preparations. But transport bosses say it is no longer necessary to continue with the two-lane restriction as the uncertainty over whether leaving the European Union will happen has seemingly gone.

The dismantling work, which began on Monday at the Maidstone end of the M20, involves the London-bound stretch being closed every night between Junctions 9 and 8 from 8pm and 6am until Thursday, January 30.

Highways bosses say about one mile of barrier will be removed each night, with road markings repainted and gaps in the central reservation barrier closed.

Natalie Chapman, head of policy for the south of England at the Freight Transport Association, says the doom and gloom is almost over.

“It’s welcome news for everyone who lives and works in the county,” she said. “There will be a little pain before the M20 gets back to normal as we’ll see some overnight closures. But the pain is going to be well worth it.”

Throughout the removal works, bosses say lane three on the coastbound stretch will be closed to allow for the reinstatement of the central reservation barrier.

Lanes one and two will be open on the coastbound route, but with a 50mph speed limit.

A full overnight closure of the coastbound carriageway will be needed from 8pm on Tuesday, January 28 until 6am on Wednesday, January 29 to remove the lane three coastbound restriction.