The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Bridge-plunge road reopens
Crews work through night after footpath collapses
The M20 has completely reopened to traffic more than 24 hours after a footbridge collapsed, sparking hours of traffic chaos on one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Traffic can now use both carriageways of the M20 in Kent, Highways England said, after a stretch between junctions one and four was cleared following Saturday’s accident, which saw the structure struck by a digger being transported on the back of a lorry.
A precautionary 50mph limit is in place in both directions past the bridge.
The reopening was several hours later than planned. After working through the night, crews were able to reopen the eastbound carriageway just after 4.30pm yesterday – the side of the road which has half of the bridge intact.
The westbound road followed, reopeningataround 5.45pm.
A motorcyclist in his 50s still was taken to hospital in Tunbridge Wells with suspected broken ribs following the incident while the driver of the lorry was treated for shock at the scene.
The M20 is the main route to the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel.
Highways England said the closure affected the M20 between junctions one and four, causing tailbacks several miles long on Saturday.
Catherine Brookes, of Highways England, said: “Safety is our top priority. While we concentrated on reopening the road as soon as possible to help drivers, it was imperative this was done safely.
“The 50mph speed limit is being introduced until work to remove the rest of the footbridge is complete.
“We urge drivers to respect
“The 50mph speed limit is being introduced”
the limit for their safety and that of other road users, and thank them for their patience as we carried out this essential work.”