Don’t miss the boat or plane this half term
Drivers heading to Dover or Gatwick this half term are being reminded by the Highways Agency to allow extra time as roadworks continue on the A2 and M23.
One lane is closed in both directions on the M23 between the M25 and Gatwick and the coastbound A2 will be closed between the M2 and Canterbury from 8pm on Friday 24 October until 6am on Monday 27 October.
Highways Agency Team Leader Amelia Yeodal said:
Our roads are vital to the economy and we are maintaining the A2 and M23 to ensure that journeys remain safe and reliable on both routes. We are working hard to keep traffic moving and have planned both schemes to minimise disruption; on the M23 we are keeping two lanes open in both directions and on the A2 will only be closing the coastbound carriageway over a weekend, when we know traffic flows are lowest.
We want people to complete their journeys successfully and ask drivers to plan ahead and leave extra time if necessary. Live traffic information is provided by the Highways Agency and I advise anyone planning to use the M23 or A2 to plan their journeys.
Sections along a 6 mile stretch of the A2 between Brenley Corner (where the road meets the M2) and Wincheap (for the A28) will be subject to major repairs, and are being carried out over nine weekends. Work started on Friday 3 October and is due to be completed, weather permitting, in the morning of Monday 1 December.
A fully signed diversion will be in place via the A299 and A256 during the closures. The diversion adds approximately 20 minutes to normal journey times; however traffic heading to Dover is advised to consider using the M20.
On the M23, key components on a bridge between junction 8 (for the M25) and junction 9 (for Gatwick) are being replaced. Work started on Friday 12 September and is due to be completed at the end of November. It involves carriageway closures, in one direction at a time, with a contraflow in place on the opposite carriageway to allow two lanes to remain open in both directions.
The Highways Agency provides live traffic information via its website, Twitter, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile platforms, such as the iPhone.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.