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Motorists are set to face yet more traffic misery when full weekend closures of the M2 are enforced for repair works from next month.
The 12-mile stretch between Junction 5 for Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Maidstone, and Junction 7 at Brenley Corner, near Faversham, will be shut across six weekends in May and July.
The closures pile yet more frustration on drivers in Swale who have suffered severe delays over the past few weeks due to the knock-on impact of Operation Brock.
Brenley Corner is set to remain reduced to one lane for the remainder of April as it continues to be used as a stopping point by police for lorries trying to get onto the A2.
The measures are due to last until April 30, but once gone, the relief for motorists will be short-lived.
Come Friday, May 6, the first of six weekend closures will be enforced as part of separate work to carry out bridge repairs along the M2.
The motorway will be shut from Brenley Corner, all the way to Sittingbourne in both directions from 8pm on Friday until 6am the following Monday.
Work will restart over the following two weekends, with the M2 closures again in force.
Contractors will then return in July for another three weekends of consecutive work, starting from Friday, July 1.
Drivers will be diverted via the A2, A20, M20 and A249 in either direction.
A National Highways traffic order states that bridge joint repairs will be carried out over the six weekends.
Stockbury Roundabout at Junction 5 is also undergoing a £92 million revamp, with a flyover for the A249 being installed.
The spring and summertime closures will be yet another blow for users of the M2, who yearn for the return of stress-free journeys along a motorway without roadworks.
The current situation at Brenley Corner continues to frustrate drivers.
Taking to Twitter, Richard Cooke said: “How long do the ridiculous delays at Brenley Corner have to continue? Completely mad and irritating. Pull lorries into a dedicated area at Medway Services and process them there.
“Present situation is insufferable and unnecessary.”