Drivers heading through Kent are facing major disruption: the M2 has been shut in both directions after a serious collision near Medway Services, and the closures were still in place more than 12 hours after the crash was first reported.
Kent Police said emergency services were called to the coastbound carriageway at around 9.10pm on Tuesday 27 October, between junction four for Gillingham and junction five for Sittingbourne. As of Wednesday morning, the coastbound side was closed between junction three (Maidstone) and junction five, while the London-bound carriageway was shut between junctions five and four. National Highways said investigation work was ongoing and warned the closures could remain in place throughout the morning.
If you're driving to the coast, the Channel ports or the Kent countryside, you'll need a plan B. Official diversions are signed:
Heading westbound (London), follow the Solid Square symbol: leave the M2 at junction five, take the A249 south to junction seven of the M20, go westbound on the M20 to junction four, then head north on the A228 back to junction two of the M2.
Heading eastbound (towards the coast), follow the Solid Circle symbol: exit at junction three and take the A229 south towards Maidstone, continue about two miles to Cobtree Roundabout, join the M20 eastbound, exit at junction seven, then take the A249 north for roughly five miles back to junction five of the M2.
Even once the road reopens, expect knock-on delays through the morning as the backlog clears — National Highways is advising drivers to allow extra time or find alternative routes altogether. If you're heading to Dover or Eurotunnel via Kent, the M20 is already a busy corridor and will feel the extra pressure, so build in a serious buffer before any ferry or train check-in.
