M20 Motorway – Traffic, News and Travel Information

The M20 motorway is a vital link between London and the continent, connecting the capital with the ports of Dover and Folkestone, as well as the Channel Tunnel. The motorway spans 50.6 miles (81.4 km) through the county of Kent, passing by scenic attractions such as Leeds Castle, the North Downs and the East Stour river.

The motorway also serves major towns such as Maidstone and Ashford, offering access to local services and amenities.

The M20 motorway was built in stages between 1960 and 1991, replacing the previous A20 road that ran through many urban areas. The motorway was designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance safety for drivers and passengers. The motorway is part of the European route E15, which runs from Inverness in Scotland to Algeciras in Spain. The motorway also forms part of Operation Stack and Operation Brock, which are contingency plans for managing freight traffic in case of disruption at the Channel crossing.

Latest M20 Congestion Reports

    No Reported Congestion

M20 Motorway Accidents

    No Reported Accidents

Westbound M20 Roadworks and Delays

  • M20 westbound between J2 and J1 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J3 and J1 . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder, lanes 1 and 2 are closed. Reason : Emergency barrier repairs. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 05:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There are two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:02:07 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J11A and J11 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J12 and J11 . Lane Closures : Lane three will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 16 December 2023. Schedule : From 20:00 on 18 December 2023 to 06:00 on 19 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:32:21 GMT
  • M20 westbound within J12 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J13 and J12 . Lane Closures : The hard shoulder and lane 1 are closed. Reason : Barrier repairs. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 06:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There is one of two lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:07:35 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J9 and J8 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J9 and J8 . Reason : Barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 08:00 and 16:00 from 4 December 2023 to 5 December 2023.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:02:40 GMT
  • M20 westbound within J7 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J8 and J7 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 22 January 2024 to 25 January 2024. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J7 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound entry slip at junction J7 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 6 December 2023 to 06:00 on 7 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of two lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J2 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound entry slip at junction J2 . Reason : Litter clearance is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 05:00 from 4 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Schedule : From 23:00 on 8 December 2023 to 05:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J1 exit slip to M25 J3 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound exit slip at junction J1 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Litter clearance is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 05:00 from 4 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Schedule : From 23:00 on 8 December 2023 to 05:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound within J1 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J3 and J1 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Litter clearance is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 05:00 from 4 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Schedule : From 23:00 on 8 December 2023 to 05:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • connector at M20 J13/A20 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound entry slip at junction J13 . Reason : Barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J12 and J11A | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J12 and J11A . Lane Closures : Lane three will be closed. Reason : Barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J8 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound exit slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 9 December 2023. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 16 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J8 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound entry slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J8 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound entry slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 22 January 2024 to 25 January 2024. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound within J7 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J8 and J7 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 26 January 2024 to 06:00 on 29 January 2024. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J8 and J7 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J9 and J7 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • link road from M20 J8 roundabout to A20 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The junction of the M20 J8 and the A20 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 16 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J7 westbound exit | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound exit slip at junction J7 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 26 January 2024 to 06:00 on 29 January 2024. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J5 and J4 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J5 and J4 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of four lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J12 westbound access | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound entry slip at junction J12 . Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound within J12 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J13 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of two lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J6 and J5 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J6 and J5 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J12 and J11A | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J12 and J11A . Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J12 and J11A | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J12 and J11A . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J9 and J8 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J9 and J8 . Reason : Roadworks scheme. Status : Currently Active. Period : from 16:50 on 10 October 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 westbound between J9 and J8 | Westbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 westbound between junctions J9 and J8 . Lane Closures : Lane three is closed. Reason : Roadworks. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There is one of four lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT

Eastbound M20 Roadworks and Delays

  • M20 eastbound between J11A and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J11 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lane three will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 12 December 2023 to 16 December 2023. Schedule : From 20:00 on 18 December 2023 to 06:00 on 19 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:32:21 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J11A and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J11 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Schedule : From 21:00 on 11 December 2023 to 06:00 on 12 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:18:44 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J12 and J13 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J12 and J13 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Schedule : From 21:00 on 11 December 2023 to 06:00 on 12 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of two lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:18:43 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J12 and J13 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J12 and J13 . Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 12 December 2023.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:18:43 GMT
  • M20 J12 eastbound access | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound entry slip at junction J12 . Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 21:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Schedule : From 21:00 on 11 December 2023 to 06:00 on 12 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:18:43 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J8 and J9 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J7 and J9 . Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:12:04 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J8 and J9 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J7 and J9 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:12:04 GMT
  • M20 J8 eastbound access | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound entry slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 8 December 2023 to 06:00 on 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:12:04 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J8 and J9 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J7 and J9 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 are closed. Reason : Roadworks. Status : Currently Active. Period : expect disruption until 06:00 on 2 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There are two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:02:14 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J10A and J11 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J10A and J11 . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 7 December 2023 to 05:00 on 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J4 and J5 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J3 and J5 . Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 11 December 2023 to 06:00 on 14 December 2023.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J4 and J5 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J4 and J5 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 14 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of four lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J4 eastbound access | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound entry slip at junction J4 . Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 14 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound within J4 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound at junction J4 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 14 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J3 and J4 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J3 and J4 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 14 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of four lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J11A and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J11 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lane three will be closed. Reason : Barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 3 December 2023 to 06:00 on 4 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be one of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J2 and J3 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J2 and J3 . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Emergency barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 22:00 on 4 December 2023 to 05:00 on 5 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J6 eastbound access | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound entry slip at junction J6 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Barrier repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 6 December 2023 to 06:00 on 7 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J2 and J3 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J1 and J3 . Lane Closures : Lanes 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 05:00 from 5 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J8 and J9 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J7 and J9 . Reason : Roadworks scheme is planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 8 December 2023.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound within J9 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J8 and J9 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 15 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of four lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J8 eastbound exit | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound exit slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • link road from A20 to M20 J8 roundabout | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The junction of the M20 J8 and the A20 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 11 December 2023 to 16 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound within J8 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J7 and J8 . Lane Closures : Lane one will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 15 January 2024 to 20 January 2024. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound within J8 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J8 eastbound access | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound entry slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 9 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound within J7 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound at junction J7 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Road repairs are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 15 January 2024 to 20 January 2024. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J8 and J9 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J7 and J9 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 J8 eastbound access | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound entry slip at junction J8 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 20:00 and 06:00 from 4 December 2023 to 8 December 2023. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT
  • M20 eastbound between J11A and J12 | Eastbound | Road Works | Kent

    Location : The M20 eastbound between junctions J11 and J12 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1 and 2 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : From 20:00 on 4 December 2023 to 06:00 on 5 December 2023. Schedule : From 20:00 on 6 December 2023 to 06:00 on 7 December 2023. Lanes Closed : There will be two of three lanes closed.
    M20 Kent Live Travel News
    Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:16:38 GMT

Motorway Traffic Flow Map

Live traffic flow information. Avoid M20 travel congestion and plan a smarter route. Details on Operation Stack when in force. Bookmark this page for future disruption updates.

The M20 motorway is maintained by National Highways, formerly known as Highways England, which is responsible for managing, operating and improving England’s strategic road network. The motorway has three lanes in each direction, except for a short section between junctions 8 and 9 where it has two lanes. The motorway has 11 junctions, numbered from 1 to 13, with junctions 10A and 12 being added later. The motorway has a variable speed limit system, which can adjust the maximum speed according to traffic conditions and incidents.

The M20 motorway is a key route for commuters, tourists, business travellers and freight operators, who rely on its efficiency and reliability. The motorway offers a fast and convenient way to travel between London and the continent, as well as exploring the beautiful countryside and historic towns of Kent. The motorway also supports the local economy and employment, by facilitating trade, tourism and transport. The M20 motorway is more than just a road; it is a gateway to Europe and beyond.

Traffic delays for the M20 motorway in Southern England. Latest travel news from UK Traffic Delays official open data sources.

Operation Stack and Brock

Operation Stack and Operation Brock are two traffic management systems designed to keep Kent’s roads open if there is disruption at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. They are used when crossings to the continent cannot happen, such as bad weather or industrial action.

Operation Stack is a procedure that uses parts of the M20 to queue lorries travelling towards the continent, to avoid causing gridlock across Kent’s roads. It is used in emergency situations and is implemented by Kent Police.

Operation Brock is a contraflow system that can be deployed quickly between junctions 8 and 9 of the M20 to install a contraflow. HGVs bound for Dover and/or Eurotunnel will be held on the coastbound carriageway, while other traffic can continue to move in both directions on the London-bound carriageway. Operation Brock also includes other options such as using Manston Airfield and Ashford Sevington inland border facility as holding areas for HGVs. Operation Brock is managed by National Highways.

Facts and Figures

The M20 motorway is one of the busiest and most important roads in the UK, connecting London with the Channel ports of Dover and Folkestone, as well as the Channel Tunnel. The motorway carries a high volume of traffic, especially heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that transport freight between the UK and mainland Europe. According to the latest statistics from the Department for Transport, the M20 motorway had an average daily flow of 86,000 vehicles in 2021, of which 18% were HGVs.

The M20 motorway is also prone to disruption and congestion, due to various factors such as bad weather, industrial action, border checks, ferry delays and tunnel closures. When these events occur, traffic management schemes such as Operation Stack and Operation Brock are implemented to queue lorries on the M20 and keep other traffic moving. However, these schemes can also cause delays and inconvenience for drivers, businesses and local communities.

To cope with the increasing demand and challenges on the M20 motorway, several improvement projects have been carried out or planned by National Highways, formerly known as Highways England. These include widening sections of the motorway, installing a moveable concrete barrier, creating a smart motorway with variable speed limits and hard shoulder running, and building a new junction 10A near Ashford. These projects aim to enhance the capacity, safety and resilience of the M20 motorway, as well as supporting economic growth and development in Kent and beyond.

The M20 motorway is more than just a road; it is a strategic corridor that links the UK with Europe and the rest of the world. It is essential for trade, tourism and transport, as well as for commuters, residents and visitors. The M20 motorway is a key asset for Kent and the UK, but also a source of challenge and opportunity.

Some of the busiest sections of the M20 are:

  • Junctions 1 to 4, which connect the M20 with the M25 and serve London-bound traffic.
  • Junctions 8 to 9, which are part of the Maidstone bypass and often used for Operation Stack and Operation Brock schemes to queue lorries heading to the Channel ports.
  • Junctions 11 to 13, which are close to the Channel Tunnel terminal and the Port of Dover and experience high volumes of cross-Channel freight traffic.

M20 Motorway: Towns and Attractions

The M20 motorway is a key route that links London to the port of Folkestone in Kent. It is part of the European route E15, which runs from Inverness in Scotland to Algeciras in Spain. Along the M20 motorway, there are several towns and attractions that are worth visiting or exploring. Some of them are:

  • Maidstone: The M20 motorway passes through the outskirts of Maidstone, the county town of Kent. Maidstone has a lot to offer, from historic landmarks like Leeds Castle and Maidstone Museum to modern amenities like nightlife and shopping. Maidstone also has a variety of events throughout the year, such as the Hops and Harvest Festival and the Apple Festival.
  • Rochester: The M20 motorway connects to the A229, which leads to Rochester, a historic town on the River Medway. Rochester is famous for its connection to Charles Dickens, who lived and wrote some of his novels here. Rochester has a stunning cathedral and castle, as well as a Dickensian Christmas festival and a summer Dickens festival. Rochester also has a lively arts and music scene, with venues like The Brook Theatre and The Royal Function Rooms.
  • Ashford: The M20 motorway runs through Ashford, a modern town with a fast-growing population. Ashford is a hub for transport and commerce in Kent. Ashford has a high-speed rail link to London and Europe, as well as a designer outlet shopping centre and a cinema complex. Ashford also has several parks and green spaces, such as Victoria Park and Conningbrook Lakes Country Park.
  • Folkestone: The M20 motorway ends at Folkestone, a seaside town on the English Channel. Folkestone is a popular destination for tourists and day trippers. Folkestone has a sandy beach, a harbour and a promenade, as well as a creative quarter with art galleries, studios and cafes. Folkestone also hosts an annual arts festival called the Folkestone Triennial, which features contemporary artworks by international artists.

These are just some of the towns and attractions along the M20 motorway that offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature or entertainment, you will find it on your journey along this motorway.

Traffic delay information supplied by UK Traffic Delays. The latest M20 traffic reports, roadworks and travel news for South East England.

Our M20 motorway Kent travel news is as up to date as possible but please do always check with local radio news sources and always allow plenty of time for your journey.

UK Traffic Delays is a reliable source of updated travel information, obtained under licence from official data providers. London travel information is used under license from TfL: Powered by TfL Open Data.

Our website contains public sector travel information licensed under the: Open Government Licence v3.0.

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14 thoughts on “M20 Motorway – Traffic, News and Travel Information”

  1. For years and years this road (M20) has had constant roadworks where the motorway is down to 50 mph for miles. After 8 pm going from Folkstone to London never mind not even managing to get on the motorway at Folkstone and when you finally do you might travel 10 miles and then they will siphon you off onto the A20 going through villages at 30 or 40 miles an hour for 10/15miles. There are no warnings of road closure or diversion signs to help you to take the correct turning at the first one or two roundabouts after you’ve been siphoned off. This cannot be called a motorway. It’s a complete disaster and I don’t believe that highways will ever stop messing about with it or finish the everlasting roadworks. Tonight the 5th of September 2023 I have decided never to go on it again and so Folkstone and Dover will not see me or my money ever again.

  2. Hello,

    The 5th and 6th notices travelling eastbound today are unclear. It says at the beginning one lance will be closed then ending with “All lanes will be closed.” Please save my sanity!
    What does it mean.

    Kind regards,

    Michael

  3. Hi, for anyone needing to travel the length of the M20, I’m afraid the layout of information is such that it’s almost incomprehensible. Any actual issues are lost in the breakdown of the reports and the verbiage.
    Ideally exception reporting only ie where there are actual problems and delays is all that anyone needs eg 20 minute hold up westbound J10-J9.
    Thanks for trying though.
    Paddy Downs

  4. Hi, did any of the road works on the M20 scheduled on the weekend of Fri 19th 2021 overrun effecting travel on Mon 22nd and Tues 23rd Feb 2021.

      1. Caroline Chandler

        Eurotunnel have told us M20 junctions closed Sunday 4th August, can you please confirm this and let me know diversion timings

      1. Sorry this happened but I believe there was a problem with the traffic data we receive direct from Highways England. If no data is supplied we cannot create traffic incidents. No one system is 100% perfect I’m afraid.

  5. You should update your M20 roadworks/closures. Many of the dates listed have passed by! I have to check it daily due to shift working and it takes longer with all the out of date notices.

    1. Hello, yes this is deliberate as we are now keeping records for around 2 months. We receive many requests for historical data to be used in travel insurance claims: Proof of traffic delays etc.

      The latest incidents are always at the “top” of any page/list.

      1. Can’t believe there are no roadworks or junction closures imminent-why is there no information in the boxes. I need to travel today (11th July) after 8pm to junction 3

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