Kent Police lead M2 Traffic closure between junction 3 and 4

M2 traffic on the eastbound carriageway was closed on May 14 between junction 3 for Chatham and junction 4 for Hempstead after a collision described as a medical emergency. Kent Police were at the scene leading the response, while National Highways officers assisted with road closures.

Drivers were told to allow extra journey time as the closure created severe delays. National Highways reported 37 minutes of delays and two miles of congestion on approach.

Kent Police at Chatham

The incident happened on the east-bound carriageway near Chatham. A National Highways spokesperson said, "The M2 est-bound between junction 3 (Maidstone) and junction 4 (Gillingham) remains closed due to a collision."

Traffic monitoring site Inrix said, "Eastbound closed, long delays due to medical emergency from J3 (Chatham/Rochester) to J4 A278 Hoath Way (Gillingham). Congestion to the opposite side to Medway Services." Surrounding routes around Rochester, Chatham and Rainham were also congested as drivers sought alternative routes.

A229 and M20 diversion

A diversion was put in place through the A229 and the M20, and eastbound traffic was advised to follow the Solid Circle diversion. That left drivers moving through the Medway area with a limited set of options while the closure stayed in place.

Police officers were due to carry out an investigation after the response at the scene. For drivers already on the road, the practical step was to stay with the diversion, expect delays and avoid the affected stretch between junction 3 and junction 4.