Drivers warned over travel chaos as major motorway set to close until next week

DRIVERS have been warned to “expect delays” as a section of the M2 is set to be closed for a full weekend.

National Highways said it will be continuing essential repairs and maintenance to the Merrals Shaw bridge.

It carries the M2 London-bound carriageway over the junction 2 Merrals Shaw interchange near Strood in Kent.

The renovation includes repairing the bridge, replacing expansion joints, resurfacing and waterproofing.

The work is critical to keeping the bridge “well maintained and for improving safety”, according to the National Highways.

The carriageway will be closed for one full weekend and five further nights.

Maintenance work began on May 17 and more closures are scheduled.

A full weekend closure will run from 9pm on May 31 to June 3 at 6am.

The road will also be closed overnight from Monday to Friday (June 7) from 9pm to 6am.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “Drivers should allow extra time during their journeys and follow the official diversion route signposted.”

KCC Highways advised drivers: “Please use alternate routes and expect delays.”

Details of the diversion can be found on the National Highways website.

OUT OF ACTION

Elsewhere, the M25 experienced a first-ever daytime closure in March to allow workers in Surrey to carry out planned repairs.

The area is undergoing a major refurbishment, with a significant junction being overhauled.

In the first of five stages, drivers were barred from the route in both directions between Junctions 10 and 11.

This was followed by another closure in May.

Now, though National Highways has announced an overnight closure in a different area separate from the project.

It will be Junctions 9 and 10 affected this time, with varying levels of restrictions.

The westbound carriageway will be fully shut between the two junctions, while the eastbound carriageway will only close down at junction 10.

Nonetheless, the works will still encompass Cobham Services, making it inaccessible for motorists.

Officials confirmed that work will be completed between 9pm on June 8 and 9am the next day.

A number of diversions are in place to get around the westbound closures.