Kent Police closes M2 eastbound after junction 3 collision — Kent Online
kent online reports that the eastbound M2 remains closed between junction 3 for Chatham and junction 4 for Hempstead after a crash involving a lorry and a pedestrian near junction 3 on May 14. Kent Police said officers were called at 2pm and were at the scene with the South East Coast Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance.
National Highways said the closure was still in place on the eastbound carriageway, with 37 minutes of delays and two miles of congestion on approach. Drivers were told to allow extra journey time while a diversion ran through the A229 and the M20.
Kent Police at junction 3
Kent Police said officers responded to reports of the crash on the coastbound carriageway near junction 3 and remained at the scene with emergency services. The force also said officers would carry out an investigation after the collision.
That left the eastbound stretch shut at a busy point between Chatham and Hempstead, with traffic monitoring data showing queues stretching back and congestion reaching the opposite side to Medway Services.
Inrix on Medway delays
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." The traffic monitoring update also said surrounding routes around Rochester, Chatham and Rainham were congested as drivers looked for other ways through.
A National Highways spokesperson said, "The M2 est-bound between junction 3 (Maidstone) and junction 4 (Gillingham) remains closed due to a collision." The closure meant a hold-up on a key motorway link while police and road officers managed the scene and the diversion.
A229 and M20 diversion
The diversion via the A229 and the M20 gave drivers a route around the closure, but National Highways still reported long delays on approach. With the carriageway closed and an investigation due, drivers heading for Rochester, Chatham or Rainham faced slower journeys across the wider Medway area.
For anyone already on the road, the immediate step was to use the diversion and build in extra time rather than try to push through the closed section. The closure at junction 3 was the point that controlled the rest of the disruption.
