M2 Slip Road Closure Extended Despite Weather Reprieve
Bad news for drivers: two crucial slip roads linking the M2 and A249 will remain shut for an extra 10 days. Originally set to reopen on January 13, National Highways has pushed back the date to Monday, January 23 – just days after insisting the recent snowfall wouldn’t delay works.
Slip Road Surfacing Hits Snag
National Highways confirmed the surfacing was finished by the end of the day but warned that final surfacing and white lining couldn’t be completed due to the weather. A spokesperson admitted:
“We’re making good progress with the construction of the new coastbound slip roads. Unfortunately, due to recent weather, we’ve been unable to complete the final surfacing and white lining as originally planned.
This means we need to keep the slip roads closed for a little longer than we thought. We’re now planning to reopen the slip roads by Monday, January 23, subject to weather conditions.”
Ongoing Disruptions on A249
This delay comes amid several other planned closures on the busy A249:
- The Sheppey-bound A249 between Stockbury roundabout and Bobbing will close every weekend from 8pm Friday to 5am Monday across January, February, and early March.
- Simultaneous lane closures will hit the Maidstone-bound A249 between Bobbing and Stockbury roundabout.
- Drivers heading towards Sheppey from Stockbury will face a detour through Maidstone Road, Chestnut Street, and Sheppey Way.
£92 Million Stockbury Flyover Upgrade Underway
The ongoing works form part of a £92 million project to widen the Stockbury flyover, improving the A249 link to the M2 at junction 5. National Highways remain hopeful:
“We appreciate that these roadworks may cause delays and disruption and are grateful for people’s patience while we deliver this important upgrade at junction 5 on the M2. Any weather delays have not impacted the project’s completion date, which remains on track.”
Commuters are warned to expect continued disruption through early March as crucial upgrades continue.
