M20 traffic: UK motorway closure chaos in Kent - 'Expect delays'
Drivers have been warned there is "no estimated reopening time".
Drivers on the M20 in Kent are facing traffic chaos this morning as National Highways carry out emergency repairs. The M20 westbound (London‑bound) is currently closed between Junction 3 and Junction 1 due to a safety‑critical infrastructure defect, with motorway cameras showing traffic at a complete standstill.
The issue had been identified following works which took place nearby on Tuesday evening. A lane 3 closure has been in place throughout Tuesday to allow to allow traffic to use this section of the motorway but shortly after 10.30pm on Wednesday, a full closure was implemented so full repair works can take place. National Highways has warned drivers to "expect delays" and that "no estimated reopening time is available, as engineers must complete the repair and undertake final safety checks before the road can be reopened."
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED
KEY EVENTS
- Traffic coping well08:34
- Two lanes closed 07:43
End of live
The M20 remains closed between Junction 3 and Junction 1 due to a safety‑critical infrastructure defect.
Traffic in the area is continuing to cope well.
We are now ending our live coverage, thank you for following along.
Traffic coping well
Traffic appears to be coping well despite the closure.
The National Highways says there are "no delays on approach".
Lane 3 (of 3) is closed westbound on the #M20 in #Kent between J2 #Tonbridge and J1 #Swanley due to an infrastructure defect.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) June 3, 2026
Plans for repairs are ongoing.
There are no delays on the approach.
Further updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/s8ABQEA2I4
Traffic map shows delays
The below AA traffic map shows the slight delays in the area.
There also delays on the M20 around J6 due to an earlier stalled van.
How long has the road been closed?
Works on the M20 between J2 Tonbridge and J1 Swanley Works started at 10pm last night.
Two lanes closed
Lanes 2 and 3 (of 3) are closed westbound on the M20 in Kent between J2 Tonbridge and J1 Swanley.
The National Highways says "plans for repairs are ongoing".
Lanes 2 and 3 (of 3) are closed westbound on the #M20 in #Kent between J2 #Tonbridge and J1 #Swanley due to an infrastructure defect.
\u2014 National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) June 3, 2026
Plans for repairs are ongoing.
There are no delays on the approach. pic.twitter.com/ODag9oWZWr
Good morning
Good morning. My name is Lauran O'Toole and welcome to our live coverage.
Drivers on the M20 in Kent are facing traffic chaos this morning as the M20 westbound is currently closed between Junction 3 and Junction 1 due to a safety‑critical infrastructure defect.
We will provide you with live updates as we receive them.
