A collision on the M20 has led to a man being hospitalized, causing the eastbound closure between junctions 8 (Hollingbourne) and 9 (Ashford), according to National Highways. The incident, involving a single vehicle, occurred earlier this morning before 11 am.
Following the crash, a van struck the nearside barrier, resulting in a substantial oil spillage covering approximately 100 meters of the carriageway. This has caused delays of up to 45 minutes for motorists.
National Highways provided an update stating that the eastbound section between J8 (Maidstone) and J9 (Ashford) in Kent remains closed, with significant delays exceeding 90 minutes near the closure point. Additionally, one lane westbound is closed, leading to a 45-minute delay for approaching vehicles.
Traffic monitoring platform Inrix has confirmed the continued closure of the M20. The latest report indicates that the eastbound closure extends from J8 A20 (Leeds Castle / Maidstone Services) to J9 A20 / A251 (Ashford), causing congestion back to J7 (Detling Hill / Maidstone). The surrounding areas near Maidstone are also experiencing heavy traffic as drivers seek alternative routes.
Google Maps shows slow-moving traffic just before Ashford on the M20. A spokesperson from the South East Coast Ambulance Service has reported that a man involved in the collision was taken to William Harvey Hospital for further medical treatment.
National Highways has highlighted that approximately three miles of congestion are affecting road users due to the incident. Eastbound travelers are advised to follow diversion signs marked with a hollow circle symbol.
The agency mentioned that clean-up operations by traffic officers and contractors are underway to clear the oil spillage and ensure the carriageway’s safety before reopening the road. The closure on the M20 in Kent between J8 (Hollingbourne) and J9 (Ashford) is a result of the single-vehicle collision that occurred just before 11 am today.