M2 JUNCTION 2 - NEW LAYOUT AND SLIP ROAD CLOSURE

22 Jul 2002 02:40 PM

Motorists travelling London-bound on the M2, and leaving at Junction 2 for the A228 to Stroud and Maidestone, will start to use the new Medway Bridge the weekend after next (August 2-4).

This is because the London-bound exit slip road leading from the existing Medway Bridge is to be permanently closed and replaced by a new slip road connecting to the new Medway Bridge.

With this new arrangement, London-bound traffic wishing to leave the motorway at junction 2 will have to travel over the new bridge. London-bound traffic travelling beyond Junction 2 will for the time being stay on the existing bridge.

The new slip road will be constructed over the weekend of August 2-4, and this work means that it will be necessary to close completely any access from the M2 London-bound to the A228 at junction 2 from 10.00pm on Friday (August 2) until 10.00pm on Sunday.

During the closure, motorists wishing to leave the London-bound carriageway at Junction 2 will need to continue along the motorway to Junction 1, where they will be diverted via the Wainscott Northern Bypass back along the M2 coast-bound carriageway, leaving at Junction 2 via the coast-bound exit slip road.

These changes are part of the continuing progress on the scheme to widen the A2/M2 between Cobham and M2 Junction 4 at Gillingham. During August, all traffic will be progressively transferred from the existing to the new bridge, so that the existing bridge can be refurbished, thereby doubling the capacity of the crossing. By next Spring, it is planned for the final arrangements to be in place with London-bound traffic running on the new bridge and coast-bound on the existing.

Notes to Editors

1. There were 812 accidents at roadworks on A roads and motorways in 2000, in which 1,300 people were killed or injured. As a result, the Highways Agency, supported by the Driving Standards Agency and the Think! Campaign, asks motorists to take special care when driving through roadworks, and to remember six life-saving requirements:

- Keep to the speed limit - it is there for your safety - Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching - Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
- Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering the roadworks - Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front - Observe all signs- they are there to help you

2. The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of transport. More information is available at www.highways.gov.uk

Issued by the South East Press and PR Team. Press contacts: David Sanders or Cosima Duggal 01306 878160,
e-mail:david.sanders@highways.gsi.gov.uk