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Junction 10 M20 slip roads to close permanently in Ashford

Two M20 slip roads have shut for good.

The coastbound on-slip at Junction 10 in Ashford and the London-bound off-slip at the same junction closed on Wednesday night.

The coastbound on-slip and London-bound off-slip at Junction 10 closed on Wednesday night
The coastbound on-slip and London-bound off-slip at Junction 10 closed on Wednesday night

They have been superseded by the new £104m Junction 10a - which has been built just 700 metres south east of the original junction.

It now means drivers on the London-bound M20 wishing to leave at Junction 10 will have to use Junction 10a instead.

Likewise, drivers hoping to get on the coastbound M20 from Junction 10 will be directed to the new roundabout.

Highways England had initially planned to shut the slip roads in early August - but postponed the closure following a backlash from angry drivers.

The closure was then moved to October 16 - two weeks before the new coast-facing slips at Junction 10a were due to open on October 31.

Two slip roads at Junction 10 closed on Wednesday - including this coastbound one. Picture: Paul Amos
Two slip roads at Junction 10 closed on Wednesday - including this coastbound one. Picture: Paul Amos

But an appeal from the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) saw the decision repealed less than 24 hours after it was made.

Almost a month on, Highways England shut the slip roads for good last night.

By the end of November, the new Junction 10a London-facing slips will be open, bosses say.

They say that by early 2020, lane one of the M20 should be reopened to traffic following maintenance resurfacing works.

On the A20, motorists travelling from Folkestone to Ashford are currently facing a lengthy diversion as the road has been closed in the westbound direction between Highfield Lane and the Pilgrims Hospice.

Highways England says the westbound A20 closure will be in place until the end of November as they work to connect the road to the new junction.

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