M2 reopened after repair work completed following car transporter crash near Faversham
Published: 00:00, 05 December 2014
The M2 has completely reopened in both directions after repair work was finished following a serious crash earlier this week.
A massive part of a central reservation was "demolished" in Tuesday night's smash, which demolished a 240m section of the central reservation near Faversham.
The coastbound carriageway on the M2 between junction 6 (for the A251) and junction 7 (for the A2) reopened fully yesterday evening.
The other lane of the London-bound carriageway reopened overnight, but a 50mph speed restriction is expected to remain in place over the weekend.
The closures followed a crash in which a car transporter crossed over from the London-bound onto the coastbound carriageway.
In order to safely reopen the carriageways as quickly as possible, the Highways Agency and its contractors worked to concrete in 80 new posts and install 240 metres of barrier.
The work came after the transporter lorry jackknifed while trying to avoid a crash between two cars, and careered from the London-bound carriageway onto the coast-bound side.
Amazingly, four people escaped with only minor injuries. Paramedics and fire crews delivered first aid and three people were taken to hospital.
Many were stuck in the tailbacks for several hours, and the traffic misery continued even after one lane was re-opened on both sides.
In the past two days, lengthy queues have been reported on the A2, the A299 Thanet Way and the M2 approaching the Brenley Corner roundabout, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
Side roads including the A2 through Faversham also became clogged as drivers attempted to find other routes.
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